No time spent in the prayerful study of the Word is ever really lost. Oftentimes Christians are almost discouraged when the Spirit of God enables a well-instructed scribe to bring out of his treasures things new and old. But something more is needed than concentration and perseverance. We may focalize our attention, be very diligent and patient, but unless the Holy Spirit illumines our understanding, the wonders and beauties of the Word will remain hidden from us. The Bible is addressed not so much to the intellect as it is to the heart.
Prayer is an essential prerequisite.
Yet God is ever ready to give to those who ask in faith. Examine it first of all from the p ractical standpoint, with a view to your own personal needs. Ask God to make the passage speak unto your own soul, and to grant you the hearing ear. From this, pass on to its evangelical message, its gospel bearing. Every chapter in the Bible leads, ultimately, to Calvary.