Prayer and studying the Bible play a crucial role in avoiding false teachers. By praying for discernment and guidance, a Christian can be equipped to recognize false teachings and avoid being misled. Studying the Bible helps to establish a strong foundation of core beliefs and teachings, which can be used as a benchmark to test new teachings against. It's also important to prioritize personal relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, which helps to develop a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance and a deeper understanding of God's character and will.