Not to derail, but I have a sincere question, since we are talking about interpretation.
I have prayed to God since I can remember. However, God actively responds to me. It is usually a thought, a voice that gets stronger the more that I listen to it. As a kid, it would say things like, "You know, that was a really mean thing to say." I would argue that the person was asking for it, or that it wasn't that bad compared to what they did to me, but the words weighed on my heart.
So, when I "take things to God in prayer," I spend a lot of time being quiet and listening. Sometimes, it is a strong thought right away that seems to be an answer to the question that I couldn't solve. Sometimes, it is a sudden understanding. Sometimes, it is a feeling of warmth and peace that comes over me. I have had at least 4 dreams where God appears and speaks to me, and 5 where angels come and deliver specific messages to me.
I have always assumed that God speaks like this to everyone, especially in the form of a quiet thought or voice within themselves.
Is this true?
That is why I say, "I research the internet when I am struggling over an issue, and find a number of pastors or other writers who speak on the topic, and quote Scripture. I search on explanations of the Scripture, getting as many different explanations as I can, whether I agree or disagree. I look at the translation, again, already having it done for me, and look at who spoke, to whom, when, and the culture of those being spoken to. (Understanding the culture of honor in dining with someone is very important to understand fully Christ eating with the sinners.) Then, I pray in English, and clearly state my question. I ask for discernment of what is of God, and what is of man, and especially what is of God and what is of me. I acknowledge that I am seeking God's truth, God's will, and admit to my own limited ability to understand. I state, for myself as well as for God, that I am seeking God's truth and will, and if I ask, I know that God shall answer. I then pray in tongues, allowing the HS to intercede for me in prayer, praying until I can feel that the Spirit has finished.
And then, I listen, and the answer comes.
Is this not the way most people practice their faith, their relationship, their discernment over interpretation of Scripture?
If not, do you mind explaining your method?