A Prayer About Teaching

When I need to learn

DEAR GOD,

I do not see myself as harsh, dogmatic, or closed minded, but I admit that I can have strong opinions about certain issues. At times, this can make being open to another view or to new information difficult. Recently I have noticed that this tendency has crept into my responsiveness to teaching, especially when listening to Bible teachers. Instead of having an open mind and heart, I listen critically, looking for flaws in the presentation. Or I can close off from the teaching by negating the teacher, thinking, What does this person know anyway? Forgive me, Lord. Certainly I need to think and to check the teaching with Scripture, but I should be receptive to helpful input, solid content, and life-challenging applications from other students of your Word. I do not know it all and shouldn’t act as though I do. I want to continue to learn and grow in my faith. Please lead me to those who can help in this process. And if I have opportunities to teach, help me do it with integrity and humility.

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Proverbs 18:15