Part one of Five

Determining the will of God for your life is a deeply personal and a spiritual journey.

People often seek guidance on this matter through various means. Here are some general suggestions that in my personal life I find helpful:

1. Study the Scriptures:

Interpreting the will of God in the scriptures, specifically involves careful study, prayer, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Read Regularly:

Establish a habit of regular Bible reading. This helps you become familiar with the teachings, principles, and narratives presented in the scriptures.

B. Pray for Guidance:

Before delving into the scriptures, pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding and reveal the will of God to you.

C. Contextual Understanding:

Consider the historical and cultural context of the passages you’re reading. Understanding the context helps in grasping the intended meaning of the text.

D. Cross-Referencing:

Utilize cross-references tools to explore related verses and passages. This can provide a broader perspective on the message and ensure that you are considering the scripture in its entirety.

E. Study Tools:

Use concordances, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries to go deeper into the meaning of specific words, phrases, and passages. These tools can provide you with a wealth in information, study the language and historical insights. This will prove to beneficial to you.

• Prayer and Meditation:

Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking a connection with God. Reflect on your desires, strengths, and values.

Prayer and meditation are important aspects of Christianity. In the Bible, there are numerous references to both prayer and meditation, highlighting their significance in the spiritual life of believers. Here are a few biblical perspectives on prayer and meditation:

Prayer:

1.Communication with God:

The Bible encourages believers to pray as a means of communicating with God. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) says, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

2 .Persistent Prayer:

Jesus taught about the importance of persistent prayer in passages like Luke 18:1-8. The parable of the persistent widow emphasizes the need for continuous and earnest prayer.

3 .Praying in Faith:

James 5:16 (KJV) encourages believers to “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

• Praying According to God’s Will:

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) emphasizes the importance of praying in accordance with God’s will, stating that when we pray according to His will, He hears and answers our prayers.

• Prayer as a Weapon:

Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) describes prayer as part of the armor of God, emphasizing its role in spiritual warfare: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Meditation:

1. Meditating on God’s Word:

Psalm 1:2 (KJV) speaks of the blessedness of the person whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

• Reflecting on God’s Deeds:

Psalm 77:11-12 (KJV) encourages believers to meditate on the works of God: “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”

• Focus on Truth and Virtue:

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) encourages believers to meditate on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

• Meditation for Wisdom:

Joshua 1:8 (KJV) links success and prosperity to meditating on God’s Word: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

• Meditation as a Source of Joy:

Psalm 63:6 (KJV) expresses the joy found in meditating on God: “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

Integration of Prayer and Meditation:

Both prayer and meditation are intertwined in the Christian life. Prayer is the communication with God, expressing thoughts, feelings, and requests, while meditation involves contemplation and reflection on God’s Word and deeds. Together, they contribute to spiritual growth, understanding, and a deepening relationship with God. The combination of prayer and meditation allows believers to draw closer to God and align our lives with God’s will.

Phil Berry Thd, D.D.