Q&A: Biblical Interpretation Begins with Prayer

What part does prayer play in biblical interpretation?

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Answer

Biblical interpretation really begins with prayer because when we come to the Bible to understand the Bible and then, perhaps also, to teach the Bible to others, we're not standing over God's Word trying to use it to do things that we want to do with it. We're sitting under God's Word. And the way we bring ourselves into submission to God's Word is to pray for the guidance, and help, and direction of the Holy Spirit. And the same Spirit that inspired God's Word also guides us into an understanding of God's Word. We invite that work of the Holy Spirit through prayer.