THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PRAYER

Psalm 55:16-17, Luke 7:7-8 Matthew 11:1, Mark 11: 24, James 5:16

The world can be changed through prayer. When we pray, the power, the revelation and the strength of God is ours. We should set prayer as a priority in our life. This is something only you can do. A person who does not have an understanding of the importance of prayer and does not have a successful prayer life is always weak in their spiritual life.

Since prayer is so essential to the spiritual life, it is imperative that we devote a lot of time and effort to make sure we know how to pray effectively. Although prayer can come instinctively, to pray effectively must be learned. Mankind has prayed from the beginning, but it was not until God Himself came to live with us on this planet that we begin to learn the meaning of prayer and how to pray effectively.

When you pray, do you have confidence that God will answer? Are your prayers specific or in general? Is your prayer life as a casual response to your needs and desires, or is it food for your spiritual life?

There is a reason why many are not experiencing results in their spiritual lives and this lack of results in large has to do with prayer. There is an alarming reality within the people of God and that there are a large number of believers who have neglected this fundamental practice and some have distorted the effectiveness and purpose of it.

Prayer is not an incessant repetition of words and phrases, as if it were a formula, nor is it to negotiate with God for Him to work in our favor. We must be clear that neither our eloquent or long prayers nor the emotional outbursts of screaming and crying move God in our favor.

Prayer is talking to God with our heart, without frills, not out of obligation or routine, it is to talk to God in faith, fully believing in our hearts that He is there to attend to our supplications. It goes beyond simply opening your mouth and saying words, is more than just a simple communication (John 14:14).

Prayer should give us tranquility and peace, as we believe by faith that what we have asked has been granted. You cannot pray with fear and doubt in your hearts, we cannot expect to hear from God unless we are totally convinced of what we have asked in prayer. The word of God in the book of James warns us that whoever asks in this manner (doubtful) cannot expect anything from God (James 1:6-7).

Many of us truthfully have at one time asked ourselves, how then are we to pray? The disciples asked Jesus the same question and the Lord gave the example of “The Lord’s prayer", which is the basis and prayer guide how effective prayer is made. Based on the principles taught in this prayer we can develop our communication with the Lord with deeper and more intimate prayers.

Prayer is not only asking and receiving, but also involves thanksgiving, worship, and praise to God. There are two responsibilities in prayer, God's responsibility and our responsibility. Prayer is both human and divine.

One of the most simplest and deepest passages regarding prayer in the Bible is found in Matthew 7:7-11: "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. "

Note the intensity of progression of the Lord in this passage: "ask ... seek ... knock." Clearly, Jesus had in mind that we should be actively engaged in the process of prayer. Prayer is not a spectator sport!

There is a vital element in prayer that many overlook; constancy in prayer. Maybe we see that nothing happens, but a delay between what we ask for and when we receive it does not mean that God is not answering our prayers. God wants to answer our prayers. He did not give us prayer with the purpose to frustrate us or with the intent of leaving our prayers unanswered.

PRAYER IS A LABORIOUS TASK

Prayer is laborious because the enemy of our souls recognize the spiritual power that can be achieved through prayer and opposes us to pray as we should pray (Eph. 6:12-18, Col. 4:12, Heb. 5:7, Luke 22:44; Dan. 10:8-14).

There will be times that we will have a great struggle when we pray (Dan. 10:8-14) we may not feel the presence of the Lord, but we must not lose heart, it is oppression of the enemy and it is better not to get up from prayer until you feel the presence and victory from the Lord.

IT IS A SIN TO BE NEGLIGENT IN PRAYER (I Sam. 12:23, I Thess. 5:17)

Without prayer, sooner or later the child of God will fall into sin. Prayer is the Christian's spiritual resource (Eph. 6:13-18).

In many cases the lack of prayer occurs due to the lack of knowledge of the Bible and of the promises of the Word of God for us through the privilege of going before His presence (Heb. 10:19-22).

If there is sin in our lives, there is no such freedom to approach Him in prayer and being in that sinful condition, God will not hear our prayers (I Jn. 3:19-24, Psalms 66:18).

THAT WHICH WILL HELP US SO OUR PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED

The rule for receiving the answer to our prayers is in Matthew 7:7-11. Biblical truths well guarantee response: 1) Ask, 2) Seek 3) Knock, 4) Persistence.

Don’t be discouraged be patient (Luke 18:1-7); don’t let doubt, fear, disbelief and discouragement overcome you as you expect the divine answer. Rebuke, resists all opposition from the enemy with suggestions that you will not receive an answer.

Request insistently, be tenacious in your purposes, be stubborn, continue in your prayers, refuse the thought "give an inch" demand persistently (Luke 11:5-8, Heb. 10:19-23-36).

Believe, have faith and trust that God will answer your prayers. Come to God in prayer with the right attitude and clean motives (Heb. 11:6, Matt. 6:5, 7:7-11).

Praying (asking) according to His will. The Lord has promised us definite promises (II Cor. 1:20). But still we must ask that it be according to His will because we do not know if God wants to give us what we are asking, because of His holy purposes in our lives. And even if He wants to grant us what we are asking, we do not know if it is the proper time for Him to grant us what we are asking. This is why we should ask that it be done according to His will (I John 5:14-15, II Cor. 12:8-9, Luke 22:41-42).

POSITION OR POSTURE OF THE BODY IN PRAYER

The Bible does not give specific instructions on body position during prayer. According to Scripture people prayed in different body positions (Matt. 26:39, I Kings 8:54; Mark 11:25, Acts 2:2, I Tim. 2:8). We suggest that in your private prayers you should kneel when possible, because even this demonstrates the humiliation we must have before the presence of God.

WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO PRAY?

You should select a time that is most convenient for you to pray according to your personal circumstances. The Bible does not specify a specific time to pray. When possible it is best and recommended to pray in the morning, before starting the day's activities. Your mind and heart are fresh and clean in the morning.

IMPEDIMENT IN PRAYER

A. Having an unforgiving spirit: Mat. 6:23-24, Mark 11:25

B. Living in sin: Proverbs 15:8, 29; Isa. 1:15; Lam. 3:42-43

C. A spirit of pride: Luke 18:9-14

D. Doubt. You can never fully understand what it is to pray, or how, but do not let that prevent you from praying.

E. Slothfulness. Resist the temptation to put aside prayer because you are tired or bored.

F. Do not listen to the Word of God: Proverbs 28:9

G. Hypocrisy in our lives: Matthew 6:5-6; 23:14

H. Vane repeating: Matthew 6:7

I. Failure to confess our faults to one another.

J. Lack of mutual respect and subjection in marriage: I Peter 3:1-7

K. Trusting feelings. Do not wait to have an emotional siege before praying. Pray even when you do not feel it.

L. Disbelief. When one invokes the name of the Lord, it is because he believes. Praying to a god in whom you do not believe in is a waste of time.

SYSTEMATIC PRAYER

Success lies in starting. However, there are some guidelines to follow. If you want to have the ability to maintain an active prayer life, two things are essential: Prayer must be systematic and comprehensive.

A. Find a time to pray: An organized time free of interruptions, would be very advantageous for prayer.

B. Find a location: You should find a place in your home for prayer where you can be alone with God.

C. Find a goal: Your prayers should not only be systematic with respect to time and place, but also they must be specific. Praying with a purpose is one of the keys to receiving answers to your prayers (Isaiah 41:21).

Learning to pray specifically produces a difference in your feelings about prayer and it will bring results when you pray. Vague prayers usually never achieve results, but specific requests, expressed clearly invite the power of God.

PARTS OF AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PRAYER

Equally important is to be complete in prayer. Praying completely covers all aspects of prayer.  That is, understands what you should do. Once you know what to do, praying well never seem difficult.

PRAISE

1. It is good to begin our prayer with praise, using the Psalms (Psalms 145-150).

2. Give the Lord all the honor and glory for all things. Worship, glorify, and praise His name wholeheartedly.

3. It is good to pray, expressing the Word of God stored in our mind.

CONFESSION (I John 1:6-10, 2:1-2)

When you pray, do not forget this. Confess your sins and spiritual weaknesses to the Lord. Do not use general terms in your confession to the Lord, but be specified in this. Un-confessed sin is the greatest hindrance to prayer.

GIVING THANKS (Philippians 4:6)

There is so much to thank God for. For the small and large things that He gives us in this life. Thank Him for the breath of life, the privilege of prayer, salvation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, health, and spiritual blessings and much more (I Thess. 5:18).

INTERCESSION: Intercession is God's love flowing through us.

1. It will be a help to you and to others that you intercede through prayer (I Tim. 2:1-3)

2. Intercede for whom or why?

a. Your Family, for spiritual and material needs. For all the brethren of the church, special requests submitted. For the brothers who are weak spiritually, for people who are not saved, relatives and friends, and for the sick.

b. For your pastor and other ministers.

c. Pray for yourself. To be faithful in all, so you can devote your life every day.

MEDITATION (Psalm 1:1-2; 77:12)

In meditation, reflect on sacred themes of the Word of God and His goodness. When meditating, you will experience a greater understanding of the wonderful and profound of the divine promises. This understanding will magnify your prayer and your life.

LISTENING (I Kings 19:11-12)

Prayer is not only talking to God. We must also listen. Listening is different from meditation. When we listen, we received direct orders from God.

Praise and Worship

It is essential to finish our prayer in this manner, thanking Him for answering the requests that we have made. As our first thoughts to begin the day should be on Him, in the same manner it should also be at the end of the day.

We should cultivate the habit of prayer in our Christian life, as a habit is not formed in a day, it takes time. It takes discipline to cultivate well.

EL EFECTO DE LA PALABRA DE DIOS EN EL CREYENTE

“Toda la Escritura es inspirada por Dios, y útil para enseñar, para redargüir, para corregir, para instruir en justicia, a fin de que el hombre de Dios sea perfecto, enteramente preparado para toda buena obra.” (II Timoteo 3:16-17)

NOS HACE FUERTE

Nadie quiere estar débil, ni física ni espiritualmente, Junto con la oración, la lectura de la Biblia es la forma más eficaz de recibir fortaleza espiritual. Un gran numero de las personas que fracasan en su vida espiritual, fracasan debido a la ausencia de la Palabra de Dios en su vida diaria. Se hubieran podido evitar esos fracasos si dichas personas se hubieran propuesto a leer y estudiar la Biblia constante y disciplinadamente; la lectura diaria de la Biblia produce en nuestra vida espiritual, lo que el alimento diario a nuestro cuerpo: vitalidad y fortaleza, porque: “No sólo de pan vivirá el hombre, sino de toda palabra de Dios” (Lucas 4:4).

NOS DA SEGURIDAD EN CUANTO A LO QUE CREEMOS

Las primeras dificultades que afronta el nuevo creyente son las dudas en cuanto a lo que creemos. Lo que se dice y promete a quien se entrega a Cristo es muy grande y maravilloso, tanto que parecieran ser una fantasía. Es muy fácil que el enemigo siembre dudas en el corazón si no se conoce con certeza la escritura. Cuanto más se conoce la palabra, más sólida se hace nuestra fe; cuanto más se entiende la Biblia, mas se hace parte de nosotros. Si deseamos disfrutar de seguridad en cuanto a la salvación, la fe, el amor de Dios, su perdón, su fidelidad y su misericordia, debemos comenzar a estudiar la Palabra regularmente, ya que ella constituye la única fuente para obtener dicha seguridad.

NOS DA CONFIANZA Y PODER EN LA ORACIÓN

El Señor dijo: “Si permanecéis en mí, y mis palabras permanecen en vosotros, pedid todo lo que queréis y os será hecho” (Juan 15:7). Esto significa que el estudio de la Biblia nos da poder en la oración, pues leyéndola, las palabras de Cristo permanecen en nosotros. La Biblia nos dice como orar, como hacerlo con éxito y de manera que Dios nos responda.

NOS LIMPIA DE PECADO

La Palabra de Dios tiene un efecto purificador en el creyente; Jesús oró diciendo; “Santifícalos en tu verdad; tu palabra es verdad” (Juan 17:17). De algún modo la Palabra de Dios limpia al creyente mientras pasa por su mente y su corazón al leerla. Estos cobran conciencia de lo que es bueno y lo que no agrada a Dios, y como un proceso automático sus mandamientos quedan grabados en lo más profundo de nuestro subconsciente; y este, al presentarse la oferta de pecar, la rechaza. Todo nuevo creyente necesita saber con claridad lo que es pecado y que no lo es, Dios no nos ha dejado juzgar a nuestro propio criterio, sino al de su palabra. A la luz de su palabra se aclara toda duda respecto la pureza de cualquier cosa de la que no estemos seguros. “¿Con qué limpiará el hombre su camino? Con guardar su palabra” (Salmo 119: 9). El que estudia la Biblia, aprenderá a distinguir lo que es pecado y será limpio de su pecado; pues al aprender a identificarlo podrá evitarlo. La Biblia nos aleja del pecado o el pecado nos aleja de la Biblia.

NOS DA GOZO

 Una de las bendiciones de la vida cristiana es el gozo; pero con frecuencia los problemas de la vida lo ahogan. Cristo dijo: “Estas cosas os he hablado, para que mi gozo este en vosotros, y vuestro gozo sea cumplido” (Juan 15:11). La lectura de la Palabra de Dios trae gozo al corazón, cualesquiera que sean las circunstancias. Jeremías dijo: “Fueron halladas tus palabras, y yo las comí; y tu palabra me fue  por gozo y por alegría de mi corazón...” (Jeremías 15: 16).

NOS INFORMA DE NUESTROS DEBERES COMO CRISTIANOS

 La Biblia está llena de mandamientos que Dios dejó establecidos para que su pueblo guarde y obedezca. Estos mandamientos son para nuestro bien, y cada uno de ellos fue diseñado por el Señor para evitarnos algún mal o sufrimiento; así que el obedecerlos nos prolonga la vida, nos enriquece y lo que es más, nos garantiza la vida eterna. El rey David dijo: “Los mandamientos de Jehová son rectos, que alegran el corazón; el precepto de Jehová es puro, que alumbra los ojos” (Salmo 19: 8). Dios dijo a Moisés: “Si oyeres atentamente la voz de Jehová tu Dios, e hicieres lo recto delante de sus ojos, y dieres oído a sus mandamientos, y guardares todos sus estatutos, ninguna enfermedad de las que envié a los egipcios te enviaré a ti; porque yo soy Jehová tu sanador” (Éxodo 15: 26).

NOS INFORMA DE LO QUE NOS PERTENECE COMO HIJOS DE DIOS

La Biblia está llena de promesas que nos pertenecen como hijos de Dios. De principio a fin las escrituras están saturadas de bendiciones que El Señor promete a todos los que le aman. A pesar de que el Señor nos promete tantas cosas, y que él tiene más que darnos que nosotros que pedirle, hay aún muchos que no las reciben ni las disfrutan simplemente porque las desconocen. La lectura de la Palabra de Dios nos proporciona información acerca de todas las bendiciones disponibles para sus hijos. Pablo dijo: “Cosas que ojo no vio, ni oído oyó, Ni han subido en corazón de hombre, Son las que Dios ha preparado para los que le aman” (1 Corintios 2: 9). Pedro dijo también: “Nos ha dado (Dios) preciosas y grandísimas promesas, para que por ellas llegaseis a ser participantes de la naturaleza divina...” (II Pedro 1: 4).

NOS MUESTRA LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS

Dios tiene un plan y propósito para cada uno de sus hijos, a este plan y propósito la Biblia lo llama “la voluntad de Dios”. En las páginas de la Biblia encontramos cual es la voluntad de Dios para nuestra vida. Si queremos saber con exactitud lo que Dios desea hacer en nuestra vida, hogar, trabajo e iglesia, debemos buscar diligentemente en oración la voluntad de Dios en la Biblia. “Y el mundo pasa, y sus deseos; pero el que hace la voluntad de Dios permanece para siempre” (1 Juan 2: 17).

NOS ORIENTA EN DECISIONES DE LA VIDA

La Biblia es el mejor manual sobre el comportamiento humano que jamás se haya escrito, pues contiene miles de principios prácticos, de utilidad y valor permanente para nuestra vida diaria. Estos principios contienen un caudal de sabiduría divina la cual guía al creyente y lo ayuda a programar su comportamiento por adelantado, de modo que, cuando llega el momento de tomar decisiones, no hay necesidad de someterse a un angustioso proceso de reflexión para tomar la decisión adecuada. Para el cristiano que conoce la Biblia, el problema de tomar decisiones se simplifica. La Biblia nos ilumina. El rey David dijo al respecto: “Lámpara es a mis pies tu palabra, y lumbrera a mi camino” (Salmo 119:105). Los consejos y principios de Dios nos sirven de guía, y alumbran nuestro entendimiento al enfrentar y tomar decisiones en nuestra vida. Es muy bueno prepararse para vivir de acuerdo con los principios bíblicos, atesorándolos en nuestro corazón por anticipado, antes que se presenten las crisis.

La Biblia contiene pues, un sin número de mandamientos, consejos y advertencias para casi todas las situaciones que puedan presentarse en el transcurso de nuestra vida. Si diariamente llenamos nuestra mente con la palabra de Dios, ella iluminará las oscuras sendas del futuro con la dirección y el consejo divino, y nos evitará tomar decisiones equivocadas. David dijo: “En mi corazón he guardado tus dichos, Para no pecar contra ti” (Salmo 119:11).

NOS CAPACITA PARA DAR EXPRESIÓN A NUESTRA FE

Mucha de la gente que nos rodea, no conoce la palabra de Dios; y en muchas ocasiones usted será la única persona que puede hablarles acerca de Dios, su amor y lo que él desea hacer en la vida del hombre. Usted es responsable de comunicar y transmitir lo que usted cree y ha recibido de Dios a quien necesite escucharlo. Pedro dijo: “Santificad a Dios el Señor en vuestros corazones, y estad siempre preparados para presentar defensa con mansedumbre y reverencia ante todo el que os demande razón de la esperanza que hay en vosotros…” (1 Pedro 3: 15).

La única forma de estar en condiciones de: Contestar al que tiene dudas, callar al que se burla, u orientar al que sinceramente busca la verdad, será estando siempre preparados leyendo y estudiando diariamente la Escritura. Si desea compartir en forma efectiva de Cristo con otros, es indispensable que tenga por lo menos un conocimiento básico de la Palabra de Dios.

NOS GARANTIZA EL ÉXITO

Todos anhelamos tener éxito en el campo de actividad que hemos elegido. La lectura de la Biblia nos enseña como prosperar y como conducirnos para que todo nos salga bien. En la Biblia se nos revela el secreto de Dios para alcanzar el éxito. Por todas las páginas de la Biblia yacen incrustados los más profundos y reveladores consejos de Dios para llegar a la cima del triunfo.

Meditar o reflexionar diariamente en la palabra de Dios nos llevará a descubrir y descifrar los consejos de Dios; y a la vez estos se mantienen siempre frescos en nuestra mente y corazón, garantizándonos el éxito que todos buscamos. “Nunca se aparte de tu boca este libro de la ley, sino que de día y de noche meditarás en él, para que guardes y hagas conforme a todo lo que en él está escrito; porque entonces harás prosperar tu camino, y todo te saldrá bien” (Josué 1: 8). “Bienaventurado el varón que no anduvo en consejo de malos, Ni estuvo en camino de pecadores, Ni en silla de escarnecedores se ha sentado; Sino que en la ley de Jehová está su delicia, Y en ella medita de día y de noche. Será como árbol plantado junto a corrientes de aguas, Que da su fruto en su tiempo, y su hoja no cae; Y todo lo que hace, prosperará” (Salmo 1:1-3).

Esta clase de productividad diaria es el resultado de alimentar la mente todos los días con la palabra de Dios. Lamentablemente muchos creyentes creen que están demasiado ocupados como para dedicar tiempo a la lectura de la Biblia y refrescar la mente cada día con la Palabra de Dios. Si solo entendieran que un momento de recogimiento con Dios diario, le hará que su día sea más productivo, le rinda más y obtenga mejores resultados.

THE EFFECT OF THE WORD OF GOD IN THE BELIEVER

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)

IT MAKES US STRONG

Nobody wants to be weak, not either physically or spiritually, along with prayer, reading the Bible is the most effective way of receiving spiritual strength. A large number of those who fail in their spiritual life fail because of the absence of the Word of God in their daily lives. They might have avoided these defeats if they had proposed to read and study the Bible consistently and in a disciplined manner; the daily reading of the Bible produces in our spiritual life, what daily food to our body: vitality and strength, because: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).  

IT GIVES US CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WE BELIEVE

The first difficulties that the new believer faces are the doubts as to what we believe. What is said and promised to who surrenders to Christ is very great and wonderful; so much that they seem to be a fantasy. It is very easy for the enemy to sow doubts in the heart if the scripture is not known with certainty. The more the scripture is known, the more solid our faith becomes; the more the Bible is understood, the more it becomes a part of us. If we desire to enjoy security in terms of salvation, faith, God's love, his forgiveness, his faithfulness and his compassion, we must begin to study the Word regularly, since it constitutes the only source to obtain this security.

IT GIVES US CONFIDENCE AND POWER IN PRAYER

The Lord said: "If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask what you want and it will be done” (John 15:7). This means that the study of the Bible gives us power in prayer, because reading it, Christ's words remain in us. The Bible tells us how to pray and how to do it successfully so God will answer us.

IT CLEANSES US OF SIN

The Word of God has a purifying effect in the believer; Jesus prayed saying:“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17). In some way the Word of God cleanses the believer while it passes through his mind and heart as he reads it. He becomes aware of what is good and what God does not like, and as an automatic process his commandments are engraved in the depths of our subconscious; and this, when the occasion to sin presents itself, he rejects it. Every new believer needs to know with clarity what sin is and what is not, God has not left it to our own discretion, but to his word. In the light of his word any doubt concerning the purity of anything of which we are not sure is cleared up. “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119: 9). He, who studies the Bible, will learn to distinguish what is sin and it he will be clean of his sin; since, on having learned to identify it, he will be able to avoid it. The Bible will drive us away from sin or sin will drive us away from the Bible.

IT GIVES US JOY

One of the blessings of the Christian life is joy; but often the problems of life drown it. Christ said: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). The reading of God’s Word brings joy to the heart, whatever the circumstances might be. Jeremiah said: “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (15:16).

IT INFORMS US OF OUR DUTIES AS CHRISTIANS

The Bible is full of commandments that God established for his people to keep and obey. These commandments are for our good, and each of them was designed by the Lord to avoid some evil or suffering; so to obey them prolongs our life, it enriches us and what is more, it guarantees us eternal life. King David said: “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8). God said to Moses: “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15: 26).

IT INFORMS US OF WHAT BELONGS TO US AS CHILDREN OF GOD

The Bible is full of promises that belong to us as children of God. From beginning to end the scripture is saturated with blessings that The Lord promises to all those who love him. Despite the fact that the Lord promises us so many things, and that he has more to give us than what we have to ask him, there are still many who do not receive them nor do they enjoy them simply because they are unaware of them. The reading of the Word of God provides us information about all the blessings available to his children. Paul said: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthian 2: 9). Peter said: “(God) has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature ...” (II Peter 1: 4).

IT SHOWS US GOD'S WILL

God has a plan and purpose for each of his children, this plan and purpose the Bible calls “The Will of God”. In the pages of the Bible we find what the Will of God is for our life. If we want to know exactly what God wants to do in our life, our home, our hearth, work and church, we must look diligently in prayer for the Will of God in the Bible: “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2: 17).

IT GUIDES US IN LIFE'S DECISIONS

The Bible is the best manual on the human behavior that has ever been written, because it contains thousands of practical principles, of usefulness and permanent value for our daily life. These principles contains a wealth of divine knowledge which guides the believer and it helps him to program his behavior in advance, so that, when there comes a moment to make decisions, there is no need to undergo a distressing process of reflection to make the right decision. For the Christian who knows the Bible, the problem of making decisions is simplified. The Bible illuminates us. King David said on this matter: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). God's council and principles serve us as a guide, and light our understanding to face and make decisions in our life. It is very good to prepare yourself to live in accordance with the Biblical principles, storing them in our hart in advance, before crises arise.

The Bible contains therefore a great number of commandments, advice and warnings for almost all situations which may arise in the course of our life. If every day we fill our mind with the Word of God, it will illuminate the dark paths of the future with direction and divine council, and we will avoid making wrong decisions. David said: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

IT ENABLES US TO GIVE EXPRESSION TO OUR FAITH

Many of the people around us do not know the Word of God; and in many cases you will be the only person who can speak to them about God, His love and what He wants to do in the life of man. You are responsible for communicating and conveying what you believe and have received from God to whom he needs to listen. Peter said: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” (1 Peter 3: 15).

The only way to be able to: Answer the one that has doubts, to quiet the one who mocks, or guide the one that sincerely looks for the truth, will be being always prepared reading and studying every day the scripture. If you wish to share Christ with others effectively, it is indispensable that you at least have a basic knowledge of the Word of God.

IT GUARANTEES US SUCCESS

We all desire to have success in the field of activity that we have chosen. The reading of the Bible teaches us how to prosper and how to lead us so that everything well turn out well for us. God's secret on how to achieve success is revealed to us in the Bible. Throughout all the pages of the Bible lie embedded the deepest and most revealing councils of God to reach the peak of triumph.

Meditating or reflecting daily on the word of God will lead us to discover and decipher the Councils of God; and at the same time they are maintained fresh in our mind and heart, guaranteeing us the success that we all look for: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).

This kind of daily productivity is the result of feeding the mind every day with the Word of God. Regrettably many believers believe that they are too busy to devote time to the reading of the Bible and refreshing the mind every day with the Word of God. If only they understood that a moment of withdrawal with God daily will make your day more productive, you will yield more and obtain better results.