One of the things I love most about the Million Praying Moms ministry is the way it offers women the opportunity not just to pray for their children but also to grow into a deeper love for God’s Word.
I’ve been teaching the Bible now for over two decades and I never cease to be overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the written Word God has given us. Last quarter we worked our way through Matthew and this quarter we are moving slowly through the second gospel, Mark. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels. It is believed Mark was written first and became a source text for the other two gospels which explains their similarities in timelines and events recorded. Mark, however, is much shorter than Matthew and Luke Mark isn’t as detail-driven as the other gospels. He quickly moves from one event to the next. As you read, I encourage you to take note of how many times Mark uses the word immediately.
When I’m teaching women, whether in my church or at an event or online, my main desire is to help them take the next step in growing as they study. We’re all in different places and that’s okay. But I want to provide women with tools and resources to help them move just a little deeper.
As I did with the Matthew resources, next to each resource I have indicated if it is best for beginner, intermediate, or advanced Bible study. We don’t want anyone to be overwhelmed but we do want to help you grow in your understanding and knowledge of the Word because we believe doing so will help you pray with more confidence.
I also created a reading guide for Mark. Again, this is an extra resource for you to use if you would like. The daily readings don’t always line up with the verses we are praying. Rather, they take you all the way through Mark, a few verses at a time. (I use and teach a simple study method. You can learn more about it here.) And you can download a free reading guide here!
Recommended Study Resources for Mark
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Strong’s Concise Concordance & Vine’s Concise Dictionary — This two-in-one book is a must have for every Bible student at any level. I use my concordance and dictionary every time I study to help me gain a fuller understanding of the text and its context. (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Mark Study Guide — This overview by Through the Bible with J. Vernon McGee is a great introduction to the Matthew’s gospel and includes a timeline, definitions, themes, and more (beginners).
Knowing the Bible: Mark — This 12-week study provided by Crossway and The Gospel Coalition is an opportunity to dig into Mark with guided questions and simple commentary. (beginner, intermediate)
Exalting Jesus in Mark (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series) — David Platt authored this Mark commentary and it is definitely one of my favorite resources. This is not a verse-by-verse commentary; instead, key passages and themes of Mark are explored and explained. (intermediate)
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) — This commentary is also deep and detail-rich. It is decidedly evangelical in tone and a rich addition to any serious Bible student and teacher’s library. (advanced)
Please, though, don’t feel you have to purchase new books to help you study Mark. There are many free commentaries and study notes available online. The ones listed below are good places to start.
Free Online Resources
The Bible Project: Mark — I can’t speak highly enough of these videos! Sound exegesis of the text in an easy-to-understand and follow format. Start here! You’ll be glad you did.
Blue Letter Bible — Brooke, Erin, and I all use the Blue Letter Bible app and resources. You can access multiple commentaries as well as interlinear notes including the original languages.
Biblica — This site offers book introductions from the NIV Study Bible.
Precept Austin — On this website you will find many tools and resources for helping you study and understand Matthew.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Having access to the Bible and to so many resources for study is truly a gift. I am often reminded how many people in the world do not have this sort of access. One of the best ways we can express our gratitude for the gift of God’s Word is to invest in studying and applying it.
SOMETHING TO PRAY
Lord, may we never take for granted the great privilege we have to read your Word. As we spend time in Mark this month, may we remember to pray for those who do not have the same access to Scripture as we do. Give us a desire and passion to see Your Word made available to every people group and in every language.
EXTRA VERSES TO PRAY
Jeremiah 15:16, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”
Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”
Do You Still Need to Grab Your Mark Edition of Pray the Word Journal?
This newly redesigned PDF download Mark Edition is UNDATED, and has the same basic layout and flow our audience has fallen in love with, but with FOUR daily pages instead of five. This change will allow you more flexibility with your days and make it easier to finish your entire journal! Spend the first next three months of 2020 praying for yourself and your children to:
- Follow Jesus
- Be amazed by Jesus
- Do whatever to takes to get to Jesus
- Listen to Jesus
- Proclaim Jesus
- Be satisfied with Jesus
- And SO much more!
Our Mark Edition of PTWJ is only available as a PDF download (perfect for international orders!) and is, simply put, special in its content. Never before have we produced a journal with more focus on our Savior. Never before has there been a time like this when we needed it. From busy working moms, to stay-at-home moms with little time to themselves, brand new moms, to moms whose children are already out of their homes, Pray the Word Journal has helped all moms make prayer a practical priority.
