Pray To Understand the Bible

Throughout Scripture you see phrases like:

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children”

Jesus (Matt. 11:25)

In other words, God hides things from those who presumably trust in their own ability to figure out God (i.e. “the wise and understanding”). And He reveals to those who are dependent on Him (like “little children”).

Or I think of 1 Corinthians:

No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

1 Cor. 2:11

Again, you can’t understand God’s ways outside of His Holy Spirit revealing it.

Thus, when we approach studying the Bible, it is no different. We are dependent on God to reveal. Consider the prayers of Psalm 119:

• “Teach me Your statutes” (119:12)
• “Open my eyes, that I may see/ Wondrous things from Your law.” (119:18)
• “Do not hide Your commandments from me.” (119:19)
• “Teach me Your statutes” (119:26)
• “Make me understand the way of Your precepts” (119:27)
• “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes” (119:33)
• “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law” (119:34)
• “Teach me Your statutes.” (119:64)
• “Teach me Your statutes.” (119:68)
• “Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.” (119:73)
• “Teach me Your judgments.” (119:108)
• “Teach me Your statutes.” (119:124)
• “Give me understanding,/ That I may know Your testimonies.” (119:125)
• Make Your face shine upon Your servant,/ And teach me Your statutes.” (119:135)
• “Give me understanding, and I shall live.” (119:144)
• “Give me understanding according to Your word.” (119:169)