How can you strengthen your belief in Jesus through prayer and study? Belief Anchored in Written Testimony “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31) John points to one clear path for stronger faith: engage what is written. Prayer lifts those words from the page into living fellowship with the risen Lord. Prayer: Conversing with the Risen Lord – Pray Scripture back to God. Read a verse, pause, and respond aloud. This keeps prayer rooted in truth and guards it from drifting into imagination. – Ask for understanding. “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) – Seek wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) – Expect His peace to guard your heart. “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Study: Feeding on the Written Word – Daily intake. Like manna, Scripture is fresh strength for each day (Psalm 119:105). – Hear it taught. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – Compare Scripture with Scripture. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for testing every teaching. – Use the whole counsel. “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Putting Prayer and Study Together 1. Read a passage slowly. 2. Note a phrase that reveals Jesus’ character or work. 3. Thank Him for that truth, ask Him to shape you by it, and listen quietly. 4. Record insights, then move to the next passage tomorrow. This rhythm turns information into transformation. Practical Steps for Each Day • Set a consistent time and place—remove distractions. • Begin with brief prayer: “Lord, speak; I’m listening.” • Read 10–20 verses, underlining what stirs your heart. • Meditate on one key verse, repeating it until memorized. • Pray through that verse, applying it to current needs. • End by committing to obey what you’ve learned. Encouragement from Other Passages – Hebrews 4:12 reminds that Scripture is “living and active,” so expect conviction and comfort. – Jeremiah 33:3 promises God will “show you great and unsearchable things” when you call on Him. – Jesus’ own example: Mark 1:35 shows Him rising early to pray, affirming that communion fuels mission. By joining steady study with honest prayer, you place yourself where John intended—face-to-face with the written testimony that unveils the Son of God, and “by believing you may have life in His name.” |
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