I am writing this blog in order to share one way about how to read the Bible. I have adapted this information based upon a book that deals with how to write critical essays and applied the information to Bible reading.
In his book How to Write Critical Essays: A Guide for Students of Literature (London: Routledge, 1991), 31, Pirie provides a step-by-step guide for collecting information and ideas that will help guide "the overall shape of your essay."
The following is a reading approach that will help guide 'the overall shaper of your reading of the Bible:
Read the whole of each set text
When reading the Bible, it is important to read a whole book in context. In seminary, we were taught the phrase that “context is king”. Therefore, reading a whole book of the Bible becomes important when looking at individual passage within that book. It allows you the opportunity to get the main idea of the book before you begin to dissect it. For application, this means that before you begin to study a passage, it is necessary and vital to your understanding of the passage to first read the entire book in regards to what that passage is in. You must read every word of the book, no matter how long or tedious that it may seem. Even if you zone out on some of the reading, you need to make sure you go back and reread those areas that you “went blank” on. Sometimes to help me with the reading and staying on focus, I use a coloring format. If you are interested in it, feel free to send me an e-mail request.
Read again
Next comes the issue of reading again. Always try to read the book fully at least once. If possible, gain understanding of the purpose behind the text. If what you’re reading is very long, then pull out major sections or specific passages that you found interesting or important to the main idea. If you can, read the specific sections 2 or three times.
Reading aloud
One of the most interesting things that I’ve learned lately in my Bible reading skills has been the importance and the pleasure of reading Scripture out loud. Read as much as you can out loud. When you do this, certain specifics come out that you would not have thought of.
Memorize key phrases or words after each reading section
As you complete a section or chapter in a book of the Bible, be sure to think about and memorize a key phrase or key idea of that section. Then, as you go about your day whether doing household chores or driving to work or whatever, you can recite to yourself that key phrase or idea of what you have been reading. Keep it short and simple and not long and tedious in your memorization. A fun quote that deals with this is “such unofficial acorns can often nurture them into intellectual oaks of extraordinary strength and complexity”.
Make notes
be sure to take time out to write down a record of fun insights of you reading. Make the decision and determination to do this. You will find that if you do not record your thoughts, feelings, ideas or key phrases, then you will remember and discover less. Be sure to record your own thoughts about the importance of what you are reading and how it applies into your own life. Your thoughts and ramblings, as you will find, truly become a treasure for you in your Christian walk.
