Ten Points for Fruitful Bible Reading

No 2: Prayer is the beginning and the end.

"Reading the Bible is not like reading a novel or a history book. It should begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the Word of God. Scripture reading should end with a prayer that this Word will bear fruit in our lives, helping us to become holier and more faithful people."

From "Understanding the Bible" by Mary Elizabeth Sperry,
USCCB Associate Director for Utilization of the New American Bible
 (http://www.usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible/index.cfm)