Our Father, who art in heaven,
sacred is Your Word.
Your kingdom come,
Your Words be heard on earth as they are in heaven.
Give us today Your Sacred Word.
Forgive our neglect of it in the past
as we forgive those who neglect us.
Lead us toward an encounter with You
each time we delve into the Scriptures.
For Your presence, Your power,
and Your glory
are ever present among us
now and forever.
Amen.
The emergence of A Prayer Before Reading the Bible
A Prayer Before Reading the Bible is a common practice among Catholics who seek guidance and wisdom from God’s Word. The practice of praying before reading the Bible has its roots in the early Christian Church, and reflects the belief that God speaks to us through scripture.
In the early Church, the reading of scripture was a central part of worship, and believers would often gather together to hear the teachings of the Bible. Before the reading of scripture, prayers would be offered asking for a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Today, the Prayer Before Reading the Bible remains an important part of Catholic tradition, and is often used as a way to seek guidance and wisdom from God’s Word. It is seen as an opportunity to connect with God’s teachings and to deepen one’s spiritual understanding.
The Prayer Before Reading the Bible can take many forms, from a simple request for guidance to a more elaborate prayer that expresses gratitude for God’s Word. Its purpose is to acknowledge God’s presence and to seek His guidance and wisdom as one reads and interprets scripture.
Through the Prayer Before Reading the Bible, Catholics can approach God’s Word with humility and openness, and can experience the transformative power of scripture in their lives. It is a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and of the role that prayer can play in deepening one’s relationship with God.