The Center for Bible Engagement reports that the number one thing you can do for yourself spiritually is to read the Bible four times a week or more.
Australian researchers found that if pastors could only do one thing to help people of all levels of spiritual maturity, grow closer to God, they should encourage Bible reading.
Most of us are blessed to own several copies of Bible. Do we read them?
Do we dig into verses? Do we allow these living words to dig into us?
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina means sacred reading. The art of lectio divina begins with cultivating the ability to listen deeply, to hear “with the ear of our hearts” as St. Benedict said.
Take one or a few verses of the Bible. Read the slowly, listening deeply. Be open to what God is saying.
Read the verses a second time, allowing one word or phrase to penetrate our thoughts and minds.
Read the verse one more time and talk with God about why these words resonate with your spirit.
Slowly read the verse a fourth time and rest, listening to God. Allow Him to lead you in your prayer and thoughts about these words.
Bible Study
There are lots of ways to read the Bible: follow a Bible reading plan, attend a class, read one book and research its background are just a few approaches.
I find highlighting words and phrases and writing in my journal helps me dig deeper. I have already shared on this blog my spending time with John 14 this year and my discovery of the Journibles.
Having a set time each day (well, most days) for prayer and Bible reading also helps. I can honestly say I read my Bible and daily devotions on a regular basis, but not always on a daily basis. I won’t fall to any guilt imposed by some unwritten rule of daily Bible reading because life just doesn’t always cooperate to allow that. BUT I will intentionally plan for some time in God’s word on a regular basis.
After reading certain passages, I ask myself questions such as What word or phrase strikes me, and where does it take me? What stories or memories does this passage stir in me? What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this passage? What delights me in this passage or fills me with hope? What is God up to in this passage?
Try a different translation. I love comparing the words from different point of views.
Keep trying. I find I have more time now to dig deeper than I did when I worked fulltime outside of the home and was raising kids. Different seasons offer unique opportunities to discover God’s word.
Mark Twain once wrote, “It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
I am finding the slow reading, letting the living word of God change my heart, has brought me closer to God.
How about you? What helps you read the Bible more? How do you get regular Bible nourishment?
Thank you for sharing this; I loved it and shared it in my Monday Miscellany link roundup. http://tonigatlin.com/monday-miscellany-2/
The Bible is sure full of treasures waiting for us to discovery. Amazing isn’t it how we find them just as we need them too.
Great suggestions, Jean–‘love the questions you use that help you dig deeper into the meaning of words, verses, passages. For years I have purchased Bible studies that feature thought-provoking questions, to challenge my intellect and spirit. i agree with Stacy below. I approach Bible study with eager anticipation of what I will discover that day!
Thank you for stopping by the blog and leaving your kind words. I like the idea of being in continuous conversation with God anyway. great point
THanks Janis. I didn’t link this week since we have been traveling a bunch. been gone more than home and busy more than still and quiet. Will get there soon. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Wonderfully written. Did you link to Sunday Stillness.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Hi Staci, I love using lectio divina – it slows me down and helps me really hear God in his word. I have seen Kay Arthur’s method and it too is wonderful. I am so glad you mentioned it. I will need to get that out and try it again. Thanks for stopping by today
What a wonderful way to introduce Lectio to others. I find this tool so beneficial to help me slow down and absorb what I am reading with not just my mind, but my heart. I know for certain I will never be able to keep up the a rule that involves ‘daily” but can if the pressure it off and I do something regularly. If I start to slip though I know I need to return to what is tried and true for me. Blessings on your week!
Hi Dawn, I had fun with that image. You ask about the other image from Sunday. That is a small bible. I think creating the photos to go along with the blogs – when I take the time to do them – are as much fun as the writing. Thanks for stopping by!
I learned about Lectio Divina in a spiritual formation class through seminary. Right now I am using the inductive study method developed by Kay Arthur. I’m finding that I am learning more about the Word than ever before and I am hungry for it….it’s like a mystery that I can’t wait to find the next clue in. I’m also remembering more.
Hi Jean! We are covering Lectio Divina with our new candidates for the church. It’s a great way to get to know Scripture, and make a connection with it. Reading bible passages is great, but it’s the application that is always the challenge for me.
After all, the bible isn’t not just a fun book to read. I think telling people not to give up is key. I appreciated your advice there. We’re not perfect, and it doesn’t always seem to ‘pay off’ in prayer, but not giving up will help us dig deeper.
Blessings 🙂
Ceil
Jean, I love the points you make in this post. Not to mention the appetizing image!