This simple method for reading the Bible lets you explore Scripture at your own pace in a way that you’ll remember and know how to live out in your life. We don’t read the Bible  just to consume information, we want to be actively engaged in listening to God speak through His Word. So consider this as your invitation to open the Book and savor your daily, personal conversation with the Lord!

Supplies

Bible

Double-spaced, printed copy of the Scripture passage

3-Steps Explanation Sheet (HERE)

Journal or Folder to keep track of notes and prayers

Pens, Markers, Highlighters

 

 

How-To
  • Create a note sheet of the Scripture passage. Use a website like biblegateway.com or bible.com to copy the Bible text and print it, double-spaced so you have room for your notes.
  • Don’t forget to pray! The Holy Spirit is your Teacher (John 14:25) so ask for His help!

 

STEP 1 What does it say?

Circle or underline words and jot down definitions. Use the 3-Steps Explanation Sheet for help/suggestions of what to look for. You might like to use colored pens and symbols—which is all so pretty and totally okay—as long as you don’t get distracted and start focusing more on your artwork than your heartwork.

STEP 2 What does it mean?

Look over your observations again. Use the 3-Steps Explanation Sheet for help with suggested questions that will prompt you to think about what the writer is saying. Use cross-references in your Bible to find verses that reinforce what the passage says and help you understand it.

Write down one or two takeaway points (spiritual lessons) that you glean from studying the passage.

 

STEP 3 How does this apply to me?

Applying what you learn isn’t the last step—it’s the next step in growing your faith! James tells us that if we hear the Word and do nothing, it’s like seeing our face in a mirror and forgetting what we look like (James 1:23-24). This is where we think through the lesson and what it shows us. Put your lesson in the form of a question to ask yourself and how you will respond.

Reading your Bible this way will teach you so much. It will grow your faith and keep you looking up—eyes on Jesus!

 

You will find yourself agreeing with what the apostle Paul said, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).