Pray-read God’s Word every day. It will build you up!

By Shawn A. Akers

In his book Growing in Prayer, International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle reminds us that the “most important activity related to growing in prayer is abiding in Christ. It is one of the most neglected activities in the kingdom, yet it involves only three simple aspects—talking to Jesus, applying His promises and obeying His leadership.

Praying-reading the Word of God, He says, is one of the activities that can help you abide in Christ. Mike says, “When you pray the Word, you and the Holy Spirit flow together to provide you with teaching that is tailor-made for you. The Scripture confirms that the anointing of the Spirit in you is the best teacher:

“The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things … (1 John 2:27)

Therefore, I exhort you every day to pray-read God’s Word. Today, pray-read Colossians 3, beginning with verse 2, which I have paraphrased to say:

“Lord, help me set my affection on things above, not on things on earth. … Therefore, help me put to death the parts of my earthly nature: sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry. … And help me put away all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and filthy language out of my mouth. Help me not to lie to others, since I have put off the old nature with its deeds and have embraced the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it.

“Help me to embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and longsuffering. Help me to bear with others and forgive others. If anyone has a quarrel against me, even as Christ forgave me, help me to do so. And help me, above all these things, to embrace love, the bond of perfection.”

From Colossians 4: “Help me to walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, wisely using the opportunity. Let my speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how I should answer everyone.”

A pretty unselfish prayer, and a good way to start the day, don’t you think?

And hey, remember to do something to rise higher in your kingdom calling today.

Step Out of the Boat is a ministry created by Charisma Media Content Development Editor Shawn A. Akers and dedicated to help Christ followers to become spiritual champions and come to a more intimate relationship with Jesus. With its articles, podcasts and other forms of media, Step Out of the Boat encourages Christ followers to daily reach to a higher level in their calling. Shawn is a 35-year veteran sportswriter, a published poet and he published a story about Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can read his blog here. You can also listen to his podcasts, the Javelin Sports Show, on the Charisma Podcast Network.