Before Reading Your Bible
Gracious God, open the windows of my soul to the power and presence to be found in the holy words of Scripture. There are times when what I read seems confusing or unreasonable, and times when what I read softens and soothes the raggedness of my life with quiet joy. Help me be receptive to both. When the complexity of human life and the wonder of divine life meet in the words of Scripture, help me to trust that meaning lies within my soul, where you dwell. May what I read lead me to grow more and more into your likeness. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.