“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” Psalm 119:105

Here’s a guide to help you meet with God each day:

PREPARE. Begin by thanking God for the opportunity of meeting with Him. Remember, He is a holy God and you need to come into His presence by asking forgiveness for your sins.

PERIMETER. When you turn to God’s Word look at the passage in context. Read what proceeds and follows the text under consideration. This will help you understand the entire message and hopefully not read anything into the passage that would distort the intended meaning.

PARAPHRASE. Once you have read a passage put it into simple words that help you to understand what God is saying to you. Maybe even write it out as if you were telling a little child what you have read.

PULVERISE. Now scrutinise each word, each phrase, and each sentence. Find the main point. Consider what’s said in the opening and closing statements. Look for unique words. Try to find points of emphasis. Pay attention to the cultural, social, religious and political framework in which the passage was originally written.

PERSONALISE. Apply the passage to yourself. Beware of the paralysis of analysis. Sometimes we become critical analysts of God’s Word rather than open-hearted recipients. “Knowledge puffs up … The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” 1 Corinthians 8:1-2. So ask yourself, “What does God want me to learn today and how does He want me to respond?” Remember, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” Hebrews 4:12-13.

PRAISE. Give God the honour and glory that is His due.

PRAYER. Using the passage as the point of departure turn to God in prayer. Pray the Word back to Him. Thank Him for what you’ve learnt. Ask Him to help you to be obedient to His Word. And “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

PRACTICE. Spend the day putting into practice the things you’ve learnt from God today.