HOW TO READ YOUR BIBLE
GET READY
Find a quiet place to be alone with God (Mat. 6:6). All you need with you is a Bible and a way to record your thoughts. As you begin, pause to praise God and express your desire to know Him more (Jer. 9:23-34). Next, open your Bible and ask Him to teach, correct, and train you in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Be sure to guard against this time becoming mechanical or monotonous. Focus on the intimacy that is found in being with God (Ps. 63:1-8).
MEDITATE & MEMORIZE
Wherever you are reading from in the Bible, whether it is a passage from a story of an Old Testament Character or a chapter from one of the Apostles, regardless, you should read slowly, prayerfully, humbly, joyfully, and carefully. As you read, consider any verses that you might want to memorize, and begin memorizing them. Go back and review any verses you have memorized throughout the day or from previous days.
To meditate simply means to reflect. After you read the Word, spend some time reflecting on what it says and means. Ask the following questions and write down some of your thoughts in response. You don’t necessarily have to answer every question. These are simply a guide to help you reflect on what you have read.
- When and Where is this all taking place?
APPLY
After meditating and memorizing the Word, apply it to your life. Think about this in three different ways: “Head, Heart & Hands.” In other words, how does this passage transform my thoughts (head), my desires (heart), and my actions (hands)? You could ask the following questions based upon the text(s) and write down your thoughts in response. Then come up with a plan to follow through with those applications. Again, you don’t have to answer every question.
PRAY
Pray according to your examination and application of the text(s), asking God to change your heart, mind, and life based on the time you’ve spent in His Word. Let this specific praying lead you more generally to…
SHARE
Conclude your time alone with God by committing to share what He has taught you with at least one other person (your roommate, spouse, child, co-worker, friend, small group members, etc.).
Find a quiet place to be alone with God (Mat. 6:6). All you need with you is a Bible and a way to record your thoughts. As you begin, pause to praise God and express your desire to know Him more (Jer. 9:23-34). Next, open your Bible and ask Him to teach, correct, and train you in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Be sure to guard against this time becoming mechanical or monotonous. Focus on the intimacy that is found in being with God (Ps. 63:1-8).
MEDITATE & MEMORIZE
Wherever you are reading from in the Bible, whether it is a passage from a story of an Old Testament Character or a chapter from one of the Apostles, regardless, you should read slowly, prayerfully, humbly, joyfully, and carefully. As you read, consider any verses that you might want to memorize, and begin memorizing them. Go back and review any verses you have memorized throughout the day or from previous days.
To meditate simply means to reflect. After you read the Word, spend some time reflecting on what it says and means. Ask the following questions and write down some of your thoughts in response. You don’t necessarily have to answer every question. These are simply a guide to help you reflect on what you have read.
What is happening in this passage? Examine the details of who, what, where, when and why. For example:
- Who wrote this and who read this originally?- When and Where is this all taking place?
What words, phrases, or ideas seem particularly important?
What does this text teach you about who God is, who we are, who Jesus is, and how we follow him?
What is the main point of this passage?
Is there anything in this passage that doesn’t make sense that you might need to explore further?
What does this text teach you about who God is, who we are, who Jesus is, and how we follow him?
What is the main point of this passage?
Is there anything in this passage that doesn’t make sense that you might need to explore further?
APPLY
After meditating and memorizing the Word, apply it to your life. Think about this in three different ways: “Head, Heart & Hands.” In other words, how does this passage transform my thoughts (head), my desires (heart), and my actions (hands)? You could ask the following questions based upon the text(s) and write down your thoughts in response. Then come up with a plan to follow through with those applications. Again, you don’t have to answer every question.
HEAD: How might I need to think differently about God/others/myself/the world based on this passage?
HEART: How does this passage change what I want in my life, or my family, or in the world?
HANDS: What does this passage compel me to do (or not do) based on what I’ve read?
PRAY
Pray according to your examination and application of the text(s), asking God to change your heart, mind, and life based on the time you’ve spent in His Word. Let this specific praying lead you more generally to…
PRAISE: How is God’s character revealed in these verses? Spend time praising Him for those attributes.
REPENT: How do these verses reveal your sin, unbelief, or inadequacy? Spend time confessing those areas to God
ASK: What’s one thing you’d like to pray for your life based on what you’ve read? What’s one thing you’d like to pray for someone else based on what you’ve read? Write out your prayer to the Lord.
YIELD: Spend time talking to God about how you want to apply what you’ve learned.
SHARE
Conclude your time alone with God by committing to share what He has taught you with at least one other person (your roommate, spouse, child, co-worker, friend, small group members, etc.).
- Consider praying through your schedule for the day (or the following day if you are spending this time at night), asking the Lord to direct you by His Spirit in everything you think, say, and do.
- Finally, ask the Lord for opportunities to share the gospel with others, ask Him for courage from His Spirit to obey, and then be ready to share in the opportunities He provides.