How to Read Scripture

An important thing to consider is how we read the Bible. We aren’t supposed to read the Bible like a novel (straight through and focused only on plot development), like a magazine (flipping through to our favorite sections and skipping the rest), or even like a textbook (searching for facts as if to pass a test). The Bible is unique! It is part story, part instruction, part diary, part encouragement, and all important. So how do we read God’s Word?

Before you even open the Scriptures, make time to pray: ask to be able to see Him clearly in Scripture and for Him to change your heart as you read.

Then, as you read, ask these 3 questions of the text:

What do I learn about God in this passage (who He is/what He does)?
What do I learn about people in this passage (who we should be/how we fall short)?
What does this passage tell me about the relationship between God and people?

Remember: the goal is not to just get it done. The goal is to get God's Word inside of you and be changed by it. This comes through slow and thoughtful reading. Try reading with a pen handy or a computer on which to type. This slows you down enough to really think about and write down what you are reading.

PROAPT

PROAPT is a tool you can use to intentionally read the Bible as well. These steps will help you think about the passage more holistically and in context.

Pray—Look at the text and center your heart on the Lord. “Here I am Lord; come by your Spirit and teach me; I trust that you will speak.”
Read—Slowly read the text that you will study, 1-3 times. You should do this both out loud and in your head.
Observe—Copy down the verse(s) you feel God is speaking to you by either: affirming you, convicting you, and saying something you don’t understand. Also ask— What is it saying about God? What is it saying about me? Who? How? Why?
Application—What does it mean to “us, now”? What truth should I believe? What am I to do... and how will it affect my actions, attitudes, relationship with God or others? How can I do something about this in the next 48 hours?
Pray—Thank God for His Word, for who He is, and for His grace toward sinners. Then ask God to help you live out what you’ve just read. Lay out your day & your requests before God.
Tell—What is one thing to share from your study? Who will you tell, and when?

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading” or “holy reading” and represents a method of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God. The principles of lectio divina were expressed around the year 220 and later practiced by Catholic monks, especially the monastic rules of Sts. Pachomius, Augustine, Basil, and Benedict.

Step One - Silence
The actual practice of lectio divina begins with a time of relaxation, making oneself comfortable and clearing the mind of mundane thoughts and cares. Some find it helpful to concentrate by beginning with deep breaths.

Step Two - Lectio
Reading the Bible passage gently and slowly once. The aim is to savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that speaks to you.

Step Three - Meditatio
Reflecting on the text of the passage and thinking about how it applies to your life. This is considered to be a personal reading of the Scripture and application.

Consider these questions before we read once more:

Do any of the words or phrases stand out to me?
Is there any that brings me comfort or joy?
Is there any that I resist?

Go through the passage again: thinking about these questions

Step Four - Oratio
Spend a minute or two in silence inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you regarding the passage and what you observed as you worked through it.

Step Five - Live it!
Write down anything that God has spoken to you and over the coming days ask the lord to speak to you about it - what is He saying to you?

Practice

Try it now! Using John 15:1-17, utilize one of the three tools above to read scripture.

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