I think many people assume pastors always want to read their Bible.
Sorry, but I don’t.
There can be a variety of reasons for this:
-I’m physically tired or exhausted (got 3 kids 10 and under)
-I’m emotionally drained by work or conflict
-I’m spiritually feeling dry
-I’m frustrated
-I’m anxious
-I’m sleepy (most common reason for me lately)
But when I’m feeling those things often remember a simple acronym I learned from another pastor:
L - I - T.
Lead - Incline - Turn.
That’s what I pray. It’s from Psalm 119:35–37
[35] Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
[36] Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
[37] Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
This is a long, glorious Psalm about the amazing nature of God’s Word. But I love that the Psalmist prays and humbly just asks for God’s help.
“Lord, please lead me on this path — I need you to show me the way today”
“Lord, incline my heart toward your word — I need you to help me want to spend time here today”
“Lord, turn my eyes from worthless things — I’m prone to distraction and temptation and impatience today so help me.”
And I love that the acronym brings to mind the image of a flame that must be lit. When we come and there’s no flame alive in our hearts, that’s okay. Admitting that and asking for help is okay. In fact, it’s biblical.
God is in the business of lighting a fire in our hearts.