Prayer: Before reading the Bible, I pray …

Lord, too often I see only as if I had the dimness of the twilight light. However, when I come before the Word made flesh, I want to come so open that I will see and hear something that will surprise me. Silence my agendas. Banish my assumptions. Cast out my casual detachment.  Confound my expectations. Clear the cobwebs of my ears. Penetrate the corners of my heart with your word. I know you can. I pray you will. I wait in these quiet moments with you in quiet anticipation. Amen.