Origen (A.D. 185-254)

In the third century Origen wrote commentaries covering nearly all the books of the Bible.  He was described as a man whose "thought was nourished on Scripture, the inspiration and integrity of which he affirmed." … He testified that it is ultimately through prayer that the Lord has the way to unlock the Holy Word for us.  In his letter "Origen to Gregory" Origen charged Gregory to "Diligently apply [himself] to the reading of the sacred Scriptures."

     And applying yourself thus to the divine study, seek aright, and with unwavering trust in God, the meaning of the holy Scriptures, which so many have missed. Be not satisfied with knocking and seeking; for prayer is of all things indispensable to the knowledge of the things of God.  For to this the Savior exhorted, and said not only, "Knock, and it shall be opened to you; and seek, and ye shall find," but also, "Ask, and it shall be given unto you."