Experience God in Scripture
The Gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It can’t be grasped by reason and memory only, but it is fully understood when it possesses the whole soul and penetrates to the inner recesses of the heart.
John Calvin
Bible study can enrich our discipleship. It is a wonderful way to grow our faith and to enjoy meaningful time with other Christians. But people of faith are also called to Divine reading—to listening to God in scripture. This is reading not for information or doctrine, but to question and probe for the voice of God speaking into our life and our world. This kind of Bible reading is very close to prayed, and very important for allowing the Word of Go to come alive for us.
It only takes a few minutes a day to begin. It only takes a few verses of scripture to consider at a time. Without a Study Bible or commentary and with the help of the Holy Spirit, simply read and be quiet. Ask questions and be still. Wait for connections, and thoughts, feelings and memories to come. Let scripture speak to you in a new way.
We will only be happy in our reading of the Bible when we dare to approach it as the means by which God really speaks to us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 14 And the word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
What power does God’s Word have for you?
What questions do you have?
How can the Word be light in your life?
Praying Scripture
God shine your light and reveal your glory.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,
Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
What is God’s Word accomplishing in you?
What questions do you have?
How can God’s Word succeed in you?
Praying Scripture
God may your word accomplish something in my life.
11 I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth, 14 I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches. 1 5 I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, so that I may live and observe your word.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
Where have you found delight in God’s word
What helps you to “fix your eyes” on scripture?
What aspect of God’s word is easiest to forget?
To remember?
Praying Scripture
God help me to delight in what you say and teach.
19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
How has God’s word been implanted in your soul?
What is the connection between God’s word and your salvation?
How are you striving to be a “doer” of God’s word in your life?
Praying Scripture
Plant your word deeply in my soul and allow me to live your truth as well as speak it.
25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly , saying, “ Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.”
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
Where in your life do you feel “slow of heart” when it comes to scripture?
How do you interpret scripture that is difficult or challenging?
What would you like for Jesus to interpret for you today?
Praying Scripture
Help my slow heart to hear your glory and power.