April 8 – Reading 98

APRIL 8 – Reading 98

by Chris Rainey | April 8

“LANGUAGE IMMERSION”
(Psalm. 54:1-7; 1 Samuel 25:1-26:25; Psalm 63:1-11)

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?” – Psalm 54 subtitle

 “Language is spoken into us; we learn language only as we are spoken to. We are plunged at birth into a sea of language… Then slowly syllable by syllable we acquire the capacity to answer: mama, papa, bottle, blanket, yes, no. Not one of these words was a first word… All speech is answering speech. We were all spoken to before we spoke.” – Eugene H. Peterson, Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity, 49.

In having a one-year old grandson, Marcia and I are re-learning how a child learns to speak. It happens through what Eugene Peterson calls “answering speech.” Parents name things in the child’s world, and eventually the child answers back with those same words. Our grandson says the word “out” when he wants to get out of his high chair, or when he wants to go outside. He will eventually add words to his vocabulary. In fact, research has consistently shown that the foundation for strong communication skills is built in the earliest stages of life. The number and variety of words that children hear as infants and toddlers directly influence their ability to express themselves and understand others as they grow older.

There is a similar “language immersion” process happening for us as we read through the Bible this year. In our more recent daily readings, you may have noticed that there are Psalms included that relate to the situations in David’s life.  Today, we read about David again on the run from Saul, and how he prayed when he found out the Ziphites were working against him (Psalm 54).  We also read how David prayed to God when he was thirsting in a Judean desert (Psalm 63). As you read these accounts, you are gaining vocabulary that you will use as “answering speech” to talk with God.

Immersing oneself in the Bible, particularly the Psalms, provides us with the vocabulary we need to pray and connect more deeply with God. Have you learned to speak the language of God?

Application
As you set aside time each day to read and meditate on the Bible, try incorporating the language of the Bible, especially the Psalms, in your own prayers.

Reflection
Being immersed in a language is the only way to learn to speak it, so cultural immersion is essential for language acquisition. How is becoming a Christian related to cultural immersion? What are some of the barriers?

Closing Prayer…
Dear Lord, as I immerse myself in Your Word, particularly in the Psalms, I pray that I may gain the vocabulary I need to pray and connect with You more deeply. Help me to understand the language of prayer and to use it to express my thoughts, feelings, and desires to You.

Thank You for the gift of Your Word, and for the opportunity to learn from it and to grow closer to You. Help me to be attentive to Your voice and to respond to You in faith and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.