Luther's rules for studying theology

Luther's rules for studying theology, which he sees as almost synonymous with the study of the bible, may surprise you. They are:

1. Prayer, because you know that you cannot understand anything without the Holy Spirit enlightening you.
2. Meditation, by which he means 'not only in your heart, but externally' by talking, speaking, singing, hearing, and reading the same passage over and over again.
3. Anfechtung, by which he means the devil harrying and assaulting you.

[see "Preface to the Wittenberg Edition of Luther's German Writings" [1539] in Selected Writings of Martin Luther, Vol 1]