Prepare for Session 3: Preparing Your Heart to Receive God’s Word
Before we gather for Session 3 of The Dialogue, take a few minutes to settle your heart and mind.
This session will help us consider how we come to Scripture. We will not focus mainly on Bible study methods. Instead, we will ask what kind of heart posture helps us receive God’s Word with humility, attention, faith, and readiness to respond.
Preparation Video
Watch this short video from Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. to prepare for our conversation on receiving God’s Word.
Main Scripture
James 1:21–25, NKJV
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
Before the Session
Please read James 1:21–25 slowly.
As you read, pay attention to these phrases:
Receive with meekness — coming to God’s Word with humility, teachability, and openness.
The implanted word — God’s Word planted in us, meant to take root and bear fruit.
Doers of the word — people who respond to Scripture with faithful obedience.
Not hearers only — a warning against listening to the Word without receiving and practicing it.
Reflection Question
Before we meet, take a few minutes to consider:
What kind of heart am I bringing to God’s Word?
You may also ask:
Is there anything in me that is making it difficult to receive what God wants to say?
Prayer Before We Gather
Pray this simple prayer before Session 3:
Lord, help me receive your Word with humility.
Quiet my heart.
Make me teachable.
Show me what I need to see.
Give me grace to respond faithfully.
Amen.