As believers in the living GOD we know we should both pray and read our Bibles. Actually, the two go together...like peas and carrots.  We should come to realize that we may need our Bible during our prayer time, and can pray as we read the Word!

In the Old Testament, Jeremiah speaks meditating or of "eating" GOD's words.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16

Meditation does give us the chance to slowly chew over portions of scripture. Unlike other forms of meditation, common in the world today, where those seeking to meditate endeavor to completely empty their minds; we conversely, should seek to fill our mind and heart with the Word of GOD.

The word "meditates" means to "consider or reflect at length".

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.  And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. Psalm 119:15-16, 47-48

In meditation, we ponder on scripture, and as we do so, we allow the living Word of God to penetrate our hearts as well as our minds.

As we devour the Word through prayer and meditation we can expect GOD to make it come alive with relevance for each of our particular situations. GOD promises very good things to those who meditate on GOD's word.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  Psalm 1:1-3

We eat food to nourish our bodies.  The food is transformed to a state that fuels, maintains and repairs the creation that is each of us.  The food in a sense becomes part of us.  Food is great for our physical bodies, but we are creatures that are more than just physical.  We are created in the image of GOD Almighty!  God is a triune being and so are we.  We are body, soul and spirit.  Eating physical food nourishes the physical body.  Devouring the Word nourishes more than one part of us.  By feeding on the Word, the Word too fuels us, maintains us and repairs us.  The Word becomes part of us just as physical food becomes part of us when we eat it.  Feeding on the Word is just as necessary for us as feeding at mealtimes.

If we devour the Word through meditation and prayer, what would be the result of devouring scriptures that actually deal with prayer, for instance?  We would then be devouring scripture on prayer, through meditation and prayer .  The result would be to study prayer essentially through prayer (and the Word, of course).  Prayer is an essential practice in our walk with GOD Almighty.  Feeding on prayer would benefit many of us.  Many of us are "starving" in the prayer department. Prayer is difficult for many of us understand and put into practice in our lives.  Maybe we should do some "chewing" on what the Word has to say about prayer.

We as believers in the Living GOD are tied together by the power of prayer and the wisdom and guidance that comes along with it. There are many different ways to pray and even more numerous issues to pray for.  So how and what should we pray?  What shouldn't we pray?   What does scripture have to say on the subject?

How do we pray?  Scripture has much to say on this subject!  Read for yourself!

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:10-14

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity. Isaiah 58:9

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:27

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1:6-7

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him 1 John 5:14-15

Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:24-16

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven Matthew 18:19

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive Matthew 21:22

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. Psalm 10:17

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Job 22:26-27

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Psalm 4:3

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners Psalm 69:30-33

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8

Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. Psalm 22:23-24

If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear.  Job 11:14-15

What does the Bible say about prayers that GOD will not hear, or what we should not pray?  Meditate the following scripture.

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.  Isaiah 1:15

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.  Proverbs 28:9

Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 7:12-13

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Psalm 66:18

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  1 Peter 3:12

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Proverbs 1:28-30

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Matthew 23:14 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation Luke 20:46-47

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him Matthew 6:5-8

For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Job 27:8-9

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men Isaiah 29:13

Scripture also asserts that we should pray in the Spirit.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Jude 1:20

GOD tells us we should pray to escape adversity, deal with temptation and persevere in times of trouble.

But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day. Matthew 24:20

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:35-36

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke 22:46

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.  Mark 13:33

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Matthew 6:13a

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. Jonah 2:7

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. James 5:13

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer Psalm 102:17

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.   Psalm 42:8

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Psalm 18:6

We are to even pray for our enemies.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:43-44

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28

We are told to pray for revival and salvation of everyone. 

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7

And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mark 11:17

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.   Matthew 9:36-38

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain.... Zechariah 10:1b

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Psalm 2:8

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Romans 10:1

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.  Psalm 122:6

We should come to GOD in prayer when we are sick.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him James 5:14-15

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. James 5:16a

It seems that GOD has prayer related to most everything in our lives, from birth to death.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:16b-18

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:5-13

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:14

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 1 Timothy 5:5

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:36-37

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.   2 Timothy 1:3

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. Romans 1:9

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 1 Thessalonians 3:10

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Colossians 1:3

Brethren, pray for us. 2 Thessalonians 5:25

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. Romans 15:30

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.... 1 Corinthians 7:5a

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes. Daniel 9:3

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Jude 1:20

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Finally, believe it or not, our prayers ascend to the very presence of GOD Almighty!  He hears us!!

....And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Acts 10:4b

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.  Revelation 5:8

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.  Revelation 8:3-4

So, guess what?  You have just fed on over one hundred verses of scripture dedicated to prayer.  Not words from some Joe Schmo but Words from the creator of the universe.  Just look how many of GOD's "words" you have just eaten!  How many of those "words" are now part of you?  What's next?  It just might be that a study of the word "meditation" in the Word would be in order.  Maybe after prayer on "prayer" there could be some meditation on "meditation" from the Word of GOD.  Since, as seen above, meditation and prayer are very useful in "eating" GOD's word, an understanding of those two words, form GOD's perspective, most surely will aid in feeding on a multitude of other words in the WORD!

Go ahead.pig out!