Read Psalm 19-20
The "Chairman of the Board", "Ol' Blue Eyes", the "Sultan of Swoon". The one and only Frank Sinatra. So many iconic songs. But one of my favorites goes like this... "Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell ya, brother, you can't have one without the other." Oh man, I'm singing it as I'm writing it. Good thing you're only reading it! Love and marriage. There's other things that seem to go so well together. Peanut and jelly. Milk and cookies. Batman and Robin. Kermit and Miss Piggy. Salt and pepper. Tom and Jerry.
Here's another pair that's of the utmost importance... the Bible and prayer. You really "can't have one without the other". Both are an important part of the Christian journey. The Bible is given that we "may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". And prayer is what empowers that work to be done in us. Mark 11:25 says "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Now that's a dynamic duo: prayer and God's Word.
In Paslm 19, the author focuses on God revealing Himself through His Word and in Psalm 20, the focus is on God being a God who listens and responds to our prayers. There are other spiritual disciplines that are important but reading the Bible and spending time in prayer are foundational pieces that will help us grow in our love relationship with God. In chapter 19, David reminds us that the Word revives the soul (7b), makes the simple wise (7d), enlightens the souls (8b), and we must honor it as more precious than gold. And then when you add prayer, watch out. Psalm 20:6 says, "he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of right hand." God responds to his people!
What sustained David as he fought off the enemy? God's Word and prayer. And it should be no different with us. You may not be the king of a nation but you are a soldier in the Lord's army. A soldier needs His "gear". He needs his weapon. Victory comes to those who fight the good fight. Are you taking time to prioritize the Bible and prayer? Do you see time in prayer and the Word as the means in which God will bring you victory? The Bible and prayer... you can't have one without the other.
What will it look like to prioritize God's Word and prayer in your daily spiritual disciplines?
Who could you gather together with to pray big with?
Prayer of the day: "Thanks God for giving your Word. Thank you for listening to me when I pray. Help me to make prayer and time in your Word a priority. I love you Lord, and I know that I am more than a conquering when I am following after you. For your glory, amen."