We're continuing our series on spiritual practices, exploring how to live out our faith in practical ways. We've emphasized the importance of practice, how it prepares us for life's inevitable storms. Just as athletes train for game day, we need to build our spiritual foundations on solid rock.

Last week, we focused on prayer, suggesting drills like praying the Lord's Prayer daily, reading a Psalm, and practicing gratitude. I even confessed I initially resisted the gratitude exercise, but I'm so glad I tried it! Recording those daily blessings revealed God's constant presence and activity in my life. It's a powerful reminder of His sovereignty, especially when facing tough times.

Today, we're diving into another crucial practice: engaging with Scripture.

The Power of God-Breathed Words

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Followers of Jesus are "people of the book." Scripture is a remarkable gift, the Word of God, described in Hebrews as "sharper than any two-edged sword." Our spiritual ancestors, the Jewish people, gathered to read, discuss, and ponder these texts.

Paul highlights that Scripture is useful – it actively shapes us. But many find it challenging, even intimidating. Some have even misused it as a weapon, twisting its meaning to condemn others. And let’s be honest, the idea that the Bible is just a “basic instruction manual before leaving earth” feels simplistic and misses the point.

More Than an Instruction Manual

Think about it: instruction manuals don't change lives. They don't inspire awe or challenge us to grow. Scripture, on the other hand, does all of that. As Romans 12:2 says, we need to have our minds renewed. This happens through interaction with Scripture.

Paul calls it "God-breathed." It's inspired by the Holy Spirit, working through human authors. Reading Scripture is a unique encounter. We connect with the writers and, more importantly, with the One who inspired them.

The Holy Spirit works through Scripture when we approach it in faith. Reading it as a mere historical text or instruction manual won't transform you. But even a child can be moved by God's Word.

Equipped for Every Good Work

Scripture prepares us for "every good work," for those "game day" moments when life throws its toughest challenges. It gives us words when we don't know how to pray, and it provides a framework for engaging with God.

But how do we practically engage with Scripture? Many feel overwhelmed by its complexity.

Lectio Divina: A Divine Reading

For centuries, believers have practiced "Lectio Divina," or divine reading. It's a simple yet profound method:

1. Read (Lectio): Choose a passage and read it slowly, thoughtfully, repeatedly. Let the words wash over you. Read it aloud, silently, emphasizing different phrases. As Eugene Peterson suggests, approach Scripture like a dog with its favorite bone, savoring every bit.
2. Reflect (Meditatio): Ponder the passage. Meditate on it, letting it roll around in your mind and heart. Think about each word and phrase, processing and resting in it. Carry it with you throughout the day.
3. Respond (Oratio): Journal your thoughts. Talk to someone about what you're hearing. Ask yourself, "What is God saying to me?" "How is God speaking?" Write down your responses or share them with a trusted friend.
4. Rest (Contemplatio): Rest in what God has revealed. This is the heart of Lectio Divina: to encounter God through His Word.

Practical Tips:

• Start small: Choose a short passage to begin with.
• Be consistent: Set aside a specific time each day for Lectio Divina.
• Create a quiet space: Minimize distractions to focus on God's Word.
• Be patient. It is a practice, and takes time.

We continue our series on spiritual practices, building upon the importance of practice as preparation for life’s challenges. This week, we focus on prayer. Hebrews 4:14-16 provides a foundation: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Many find prayer challenging. It can feel like a mere formality, a quick ritual before meals or travel, often forgotten afterwards. We treat it transactionally, like a shopping list or a magic charm, missing its deeper purpose.

Hebrews 4 reorients us. Verse 16 invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” This is a striking image, especially considering the historical context of kings and emperors. To approach a human ruler’s throne required strict etiquette and trepidation. Yet, we are invited to approach God’s throne, not of judgment, but of grace, with confidence.

This throne is a place of acceptance and love, where we receive mercy and grace. Prayer, then, is the confident entry into God’s presence. God is omnipresent, so we are always in His presence. Prayer is the intentional acknowledgment of this presence. It is not confined to a specific location, posture, or words.

Prayer is simply acknowledging and entering God’s presence intentionally. It can occur at a stoplight, during a walk, or before sleep. Falling asleep while praying can be a blessing, a sign of God’s peace.

We can approach God’s throne with confidence because Jesus, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses. He empathizes with us, welcoming us with open arms. Prayer is not a transactional exchange but an intentional communion with God. It is a restoration of the fellowship enjoyed in the Garden of Eden, a walk with God without shame or fear.

How do we practice this? Here are three practical drills:

1. Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily. Recite it word for word, allowing its meaning to resonate. This prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, shapes our perspective and prompts reflection.
2. Read a Psalm daily. The Psalms are prayers of God’s people, offering insight into their communion with God.
3. Practice gratitude journaling. At the end of each day, write down three things you are grateful for. This practice reinforces gratitude and deepens reflection.

These drills are not magical incantations but practices that reshape our vision and understanding of prayer. They help us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace in our time of need.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your throne room of grace. Help us to approach You with confidence, receiving Your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Life throws punches. Hiding won't help. Jesus, in Matthew 7, compares life to building a house: on rock (His teachings practiced) or sand (hearing only). Storms test our foundation.

"Hear and do" is key. Many hear, few practice. Like athletes training, we must practice faith. Love your enemy? Don't judge? Live it. Practice prepares us for storms, not avoids them.

Hardship tests faith. Without practice, we falter. Following Jesus is challenging, but His yoke is easy with practiced faith.

We build on the rock through prayer, Scripture, service, community, and fasting. These aren't to earn salvation, but to prepare for life's inevitable storms: heartache, pain, a broken world.

Are we prepared? Practice, not just hearing, builds a strong foundation. We'll explore these practices in the coming weeks.

Missed expectations? Persevere…

We explore the central theme of love in John’s letters.

A look at the heart of 1&2 Peter

We explore an overview of the Book of James

We take a look at the book of Hebrews

We explore the truth that contentment is gain.

We explore Thessalonians together.

We explore the letter to the Philippians.

The one where we look at the purpose for our rescue. But also, the one where I keep referring to the letter of Onesimus instead of Philemon.

This week we explore the letter to the Galatians as we discuss, "The Gospel."