Ways to Read the Bible
Here's a suggestion from Eugene Peterson to help make your Bible reading time more meaningful that follows parts of the Lectio Divina.
READ
Here you simply read, don’t try to figure anything out. Take a passage of Scripture and read it slowly, meditatively; soak in the words. Let them flow over your heart, mind, and soul. Simply take in what God is saying. Start with the Book of John if you’re new to Bible reading.
THINK
Next, think about the words you have just read. Put yourself in the story (what do you see/feel). Are there words or themes that repeat? What is God trying to say or what is He asking me to do? Consider it from different angles and perspectives. We can sometimes miss important elements if we rush through them.
PRAY
Did God reveal something to you? Is He asking you to do something? Is there something that stirred you? Don't just rush to live it out, focus on your relationship and conversation with God. Give it back to God, asking Him for both clarity and strength to live out what you've read.
LIVE
This is where Jesus as Lord is lived out. We decrease and He increases as we seek to live out what He's asked and equipped us to do. His faithfulness will be evident and we/those around us will be blessed by it.
When we do this, our hearts will be encouraged, at rest, and excited to read more of His Word. This is a less complicated way to engage with Scripture.
