What are some short prayers or verses to pray before reading the Bible?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we never approach the Holy Scriptures as a mere academic exercise, but as a liturgical act—a conversation with the Living Word.

Here are prayers and verses used in our Church to prepare the heart for reading:

1. The Litany of the Gospel (from the Divine Liturgy)

This is the standard prayer our priests pray before the Gospel reading. You can pray this personally:

"Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God... make us all worthy to hear and to act according to Your holy Gospels through the prayers of Your saints. Remember also, O Master, those who have commanded us to remember them in our supplications and prayers. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts with the light of Your holy Gospel."

2. The Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

This is a traditional prayer specifically for private Bible study:

"O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart that I may hear Your word and understand it, and do Your will; for I am a sojourner upon the earth. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of Your Law. Speak to me the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom. On You do I set my hope, O my God, that You shall enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Your knowledge, not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them."

3. Verses from Psalm 119

This Psalm is the "alphabet of love" for God’s Word. These verses are perfect for a quick breath prayer:

• Verse 18: "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."
• Verse 105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
• Verse 133: "Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me."

4. The Prayer of St. Isaac the Syrian

A short prayer from one of our great monastic fathers:

"O Lord, kindle in my heart the fire of Your grace, that it may burn away the thorns of my sins and enlighten my mind to understand Your Holy Scriptures."

5. From the "Prayer of the Veil" (Midnight Psalmody)

Use this when you feel mentally tired or distracted:

"Illumine our hearts, O Master, Lover of mankind, with the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Your Gospel teachings."

Coptic Practical Tip

Before you read, it is a pious Coptic tradition to make the Sign of the Cross and say:

"In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen. Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears."

Then, after finishing your reading, always conclude with:

"Glory be to God forever. Amen." **