Personal Prayer and Scripture Study

Degrees of Progression

Personal Prayer:

Beginner-                           Currently not communing with the Lord at all or very
                                            infrequently.

Intermediate-                    Communing with the Lord Sporadically- once or twice a
                                            week.

Advanced-                          Communing With the Lord daily but lacking depth at
                                            times.

Scripture Study:

Beginner-                                Not Studying the scriptures at all or very infrequently.

Intermediate-                         Studying the scriptures sporadically- once or twice a
                                                week.

Advanced-                              Studying the scriptures daily but lacking depth at times.

Tools

Personal Prayer:

Beginner-                              1. Start!  Don't worry about substance, length of time,
                                                 perception of personal worthiness.
                                               2. Choose a set time of day and place without
                                                  interruptions.
                                               3. Do it everyday, at least once a day.
                                               4. Listen for guidance.

Intermediate-                         1.Choose a set time of day and place without
                                                 interruptions.
                                                2. Make it personal- put a personal consequence on
                                                  yourself. 
                                                        Ex. I will not eat breakfast until I say my prayer.
                                                            I will not leave my house until I say my prayer.
                                                            I will not start my car until I say my prayer.
                                                            I will not get into bed until I say my prayer.
                                                            I will not watch the news until I say my prayer.
                                                3. Do it everyday, at least once a day.
                                                4.  Listen for guidance.

Advanced-                              1. Set a minimum amount of time that you'll commune
                                                    with the Lord (At least 5 minutes.  Then increase
                                                    amount of time.  Keep a clock or watch close by.)
                                                2. Keep a pad of paper and pen in close contact
                                                    throughout the day.  Write down things that impress
                                                    you, both positive and negative, questions,
                                                    concerns, things you notice, specific daily incidents.
                                                3. When you commune with the Lord, talk about
                                                    specific things.
                                                4. Listen for guidance.

Scripture Study:

Beginner                                1. Always begin with prayer.
                                               2. Start!  Don't worry about length of time, perception
                                                   of personal worthiness, understanding, etc.
                                               3. Choose a time of day and place without
                                                    interruptions.
                                               4. Ponder what you read.
                                               5. Do it daily!

Intermediate                          1. Always begin with prayer.
                                                2. Choose a time and place without interruptions.
                                                3. Clear your mind.
                                                4. Set a minimum amount of time you'll spend
                                                    studying.  (At least 15 minutes)
                                                5. Ponder what you read.
                                                6. Do it daily!

Advanced                                1. Always begin with prayer.
                                                 2. Study specific topics.
                                                     ·use scripture resources such as church magazines,
                                                    Bible dictionary, topical guide, church books and
                                                    resource guides, etc.....
                                                 3. Set a minimum amount of time you'll spend
                                                     studying.
                                                 4. Keep a notebook or scripture journal.  Write
                                                    down things that come to your mind:          
                                                    questions, concerns, ideas, etc....Pray about these things.
                                                 5. Ponder what you read.