Have you ever sat down with your Bible, feeling completely lost and overwhelmed? I know I have.
There are days when I open the pages and it’s like staring at a foreign language, even though I’ve read it countless times.
It’s a heavy feeling, this disconnect, this yearning for something more that seems just out of reach.
It makes me wonder, am I doing this right? Is there something I’m missing?
Maybe you’ve asked yourself the same questions, too.
Maybe you’ve even searched online for answers like, “simple prayer before reading the Bible,” “What prayer do you say before reading the Bible?” or “What should I pray first before studying the Bible?”
Well, been there, done that.
That’s why I wanted to share some simple prayers that have helped me, both before and after opening the scriptures.
It’s not a magic formula, and it doesn’t erase the bad days completely, but it does help me approach the Bible with a more open heart, a heart ready to receive.
So in this post, I will show you how to pray before and after reading the Bible, with a special focus on prayers to say before because sometimes, that’s where the real struggle is.
A Prayer Before Reading the Bible: Prayer to the Holy Spirit Before Reading Scripture

Holy Spirit, I’m here but I’m struggling. My mind is racing with worries, and these words on the page feel distant.
I need your light to shine on them, to illuminate the truth within.
Please break through my confusion. Cut through my doubts.
Open my eyes to see beyond the text, to feel Your presence in every verse.
I admit I need Your wisdom because mine falls short. Make these ancient words come alive in my heart today.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Catholic Prayer Before Reading the Bible
Most merciful Father, I kneel before Your Word, unworthy yet desperately seeking.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, help me to receive Your message with a pure heart.
Clear my mind of worldly distractions. Let every word I read take root in my soul, not just my mind.
Transform these sacred texts from mere words into living bread for my hungry spirit.
This, I pray, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer Before Reading the Bible - Orthodox
Illumine our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Thy Gospel.
Implant in us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee.
For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
What to Say Before Reading Scripture in Church
Sovereign God, as I prepare to read Your Word aloud, calm my nervous heart.
Let my voice be clear, not for my glory, but so Your message reaches every ear and heart present.
Remove my fear of stumbling over words. Let Your Spirit flow through these verses.
Grant us the grace to hear what you are saying to us today, to believe it, and to live according to it
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
What is the Opening Prayer Before Bible Study?
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today, each of us carrying different burdens and distractions.
Lord, we ask You to take these worries from us, just for this moment. Clear our minds. Settle our thoughts. Help us focus on Your Word.
We know we’re not perfect students, Father. Sometimes we struggle to understand. Sometimes we drift off. Sometimes we doubt. But we’re here, showing up, wanting to learn from You.
Open our minds to understand Your teachings. Help us see how Your Word applies to our messy, everyday lives. Give us the courage to be honest about our questions and doubts.
Let this not just be another Bible study, but a real encounter with You. Help us to hear Your voice clearly, even when it challenges us. And give us the strength to live out what we learn.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Short Prayer After Reading the Bible
Almighty God, thank You for speaking to me through your word. I confess I don’t always understand everything I read, and I often forget what I’ve learned.
Help me to carry these truths with me throughout the day, to apply them to my life, and to live in a way that honors You.
In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.
I hope these prayers serve as a starting point for your own intimate conversations with God before opening His Word.
Remember, there’s no “perfect” prayer before reading the Bible – what matters most is the sincerity of your heart and your willingness to listen.