Enlightening Lord, the teachings found in Your Word clearly set forth the principles of the Christian faith by which I live. It tells me that I have sinned … that You died to forgive my sins … by faith in You I am put in right standing with Your Father … and my salvation is the beginning of a new life and relationship with You. Like a sports team that regularly go over the basics, I too will enhance my faith by staying in tune with the basics of what Your Word teaches me. Meditating on Your Word provides me with insights into life that affect how I will act. It is not good enough to merely know what is contained in the Scriptures, but I must let them transform my life so I can put them into practice. Because of man’s fall in the Garden, my propensity is to disobey You. Sin cuts me off from You and causes me to go my own way rather than Yours. It is Your Word that convicts me and leads me back to what is right.
An examination of conscious points out my need to be forgiven and cleansed. Although I do not deserve it, in Your kindness and love You forgive me and give me a fresh start. You are the only way that leads to forgiveness and new life. Through Your power, I am made holy and set apart to no longer sin … enabled to be obedient … and given the opportunity to become more like You. As I concentrate on the words You spoke, I will grow through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. It is by coming to grips with Your words that I can become a doer of them instead of only being a hearer. I feel so blessed to know that You care about all that goes on in my life … past, present, and future. In dealing with me and my ways, You are always fair and just. Because You can do all things, my salvation is safe in Your hands. To effectively serve You, I must be willing to proclaim Your love, power, and goodness to all men.
No matter how hard I try to lead a good and moral life, my efforts are fruitless without You. The words of the Scripture comfort me and show me the way to a prosperous life. Because I have been set free from the power of sin, the demands of the law, and fear of punishment for my sins, I am able to draw closer to You. By trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me in truth, I can gain a better picture of how to live for You. Through His ministry I am learning how to overcome sin and temptation. Through Your mercy and grace, all things have become possible when I believe. As Your Word reigns in my heart, I am drawn into a deeper relationship with You and begin to act as You would. As I join myself more closely to Your Body, I am better equipped to express the reality of who You are in me. In building up believers, I am learning the true meaning of service. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates even to the dividing of the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.