Prayers to Pray While You Study
Posted On April 03, 2024
Because our highest calling is to know God, the study of theology is a great privilege and responsibility. Our Professor of Old Testament, Dr. Ben Shaw, wrote the following six prayers to encourage students to approach the Lord in prayer throughout their theological studies.
“O Lord my God, as I begin my studies today, help me to study, not for myself, nor for my teacher, but as an offering unto You. Let me remember as I approach difficult topics that I am Your servant. Remind me that You have put me in this place at this time for Your glory. Help me to remind myself that the work I do now is work that is preparing me for all that You have purposed for my life. Let me remember that none of this will be wasted, but will be used for Your glory. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“O Lord my God, a wise man once said that much study is a weariness of the flesh (Eccl. 12:12). As I tire of studying, remind me of the athletes who train to the point of weariness so that their actions become instinct. Remind me of the soldiers who train beyond weariness so that they might persevere through the battle. Let me remember that I am in training as an athlete, as a soldier, for I face a daily battle. Let me learn so that my strength might grow and so that I might persevere in the faith by Your grace. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“O Lord my God, this subject is so difficult, and I am so discouraged. Send me Your Spirit to encourage me and to give me understanding. Open my eyes so that I may see what I need to learn. Enable me to look at the material from a different perspective so that I might gain more insight. Let me not think that I must struggle through on my own, but that I may seek help from others. Let me be open not only to the instruction of my teacher but to the instruction of my peers. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“O Lord my God, remind me as I study that I do not study for myself alone. I do not study so that others may be impressed by my learning. Let me instead study so that I may be a help and encouragement to others. Let me be ready not only to give help when asked but to offer help when I see someone in need. Let me not be proud of my learning. Let me instead offer my learning to You for the good of Your kingdom of grace. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“O Lord my God, in my learning, let me seek Your wisdom. Let me seek Your understanding. Let me see how what I am learning leads to a greater love for You. Let me first study the fear of the Lord, for the fear of You is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Let me be instructed by You, whatever the topic of my study is. Make me Your student. Let me never think that I have moved beyond the need to learn. Grant that by my study, I might grow in grace. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“O Lord my God, in my study, let me learn prudence. Let me learn the discipline of the mind. Let me seek to understand that which is just and honorable. Let me learn purity of mind and heart. Let me focus on what is excellent. Let me put what I learn into practice. Let my learning move from my head to my heart and out through my hands so that I may serve You well. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”