The legal definition of the word "may" is an expression of possibility, a permissive choice to act or not, and ordinarily implies some degree of discretion. This contrasts with the word "shall", which is generally used to indicate a mandatory provision. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/may
What are some BIBLE usages of the word “may”?
{Though there are many usages in the OT, for brevity of space, I’ll focus on the NT usages most of which are directed to the body of Christ.}
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Acts 3:19
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Romans 1:11-12
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 1:17
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
1 Peter 2:2
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 John 5:13
Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.
2 John 1:8
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
3 John 1:2
God’s Word is full of interactive and cooperative possibilities. Small Group Ministry is an opportunity to discuss these cooperative interactions together so that we MAY have a fuller understanding of God and His calling upon our lives as individuals and communities of faith. SGM typically breaks after the month of MAY so that we can reflect upon what we’ve learned through the year and to ready ourselves for something new in the fall. We’d love for you to consider joining us!
For more information go to www.TecumsehCove.org/SGM or contact:
Julie Schiller MISchillers@comcast.net 517-750-7494
BONUS OT SCRIPTURES!!
Walk in obedience to all the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33
May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us.
1 Kings 8:57
May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6