Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (80 page)

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Jonah 2

TIME COMMITMENT:

30–60 minutes

“We tend to think of Bible study and prayer as separate disciplines, but the fact is, they are integrally related. Prayer is really a key to effective Bible study. Learn to pray before, during, and after your reading of the Scriptures” (p. 100).

B
egin today’s assignment by spending time in prayer, telling God what you hope to accomplish from this Bible study and asking Him to show you what He wants you to know.

Read Jonah 2 straight through.

Read the same passage again, this time pausing to think of your own situations that may be somewhat comparable to Jonah’s. As they come to mind, stop to ask for God’s guidance in dealing with each one.

Read through Jonah 2 a third time. This time use the observational skills you have already learned. For example:

• What do you find significant about this prayer based on the context of where it is taking place?

• What can you discover about prayer based on Jonah’s setting? His honesty? His state of mind? His willingness to learn from his experience and change?

• What does this prayer tell you about Jonah? What does it tell you about God?

• How do you think Jonah’s life might have been different if he had stopped to pray before finding himself in this predicament?

Conclude today’s study with a time of prayer (1) to thank God for seeing you through the rough spots in life, and (2) to commit yourself to Him in obedience as you face future trials.

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Ephesians 3

TIME COMMITMENT:

30–60 minutes

“Of all the strategies to first-rate Bible reading, prayerful reading probably
requires the most cultivation” (p. 105).

E
phesians 3 is part of a letter where we might say that Paul was
writing
prayerfully. As Paul considered all God was doing for himself and others, he was moved to include a prayer for the Ephesians within the letter itself. We can maintain a prayerful mind-set as we
read
this letter.

First read Ephesians 3:1–13. Consider:

• What were some of the things on Paul’s mind for which he was thankful?