Before You Read God's Word: P.A.U.S.E

How often do we start reading the Bible during our quiet time or whenever we get a minute to read during the day, without pausing and asking God to guide us through our reading of His Holy Word.

The P.A.U.S.E acronym reminds me before I open God's Word to:

Pause and Pray

Don't rush into reading the Bible. Pause and pray.

Empty your mind.

Deep breaths.

Ask God for Wisdom

Pray for understanding of God's Word.

We are promised in James 1:5-6a that "If any of you lacks wisdom, ask of God, who gives to ALL liberally and without reproach, and it WILL be given to you. But let him ask in faith, no doubting ..."

Unburden and unload your worries and distractions

Shut your door.

Turn off your mobile phone (including notifications).

Turn your burdens over to the Lord.

Surrender your will to God

Come to the Word with a submissive attitude, one of "Father Your will be done not mine!".

Surrender any hurt or unforgiveness to our Holy Loving Father.

Expect God for revelation

Read God's Word expectantly.

Expect God to reveal who He is in the Word to You. We read God's Word to get to know Him better!

Some days I plunge into God's Word without a further thought, and then I remember I have not paused and prayed, I stop reading and pray through the PAUSE acronym.

This little strategy truly has helped me 'de-stress' before I read God's Word and has enabled me to focus and understand His Word better - I hope it helps you to.

Yours in Grace.