How to Read and Study the Bible: A Practical Guide

There is a silly saying, “How do you eat an elephant?”  The answer is, “One bite at a time!” The same advice is given when it comes to studying and reading something as important to your faith as the Bible.

Now, if you are a speed reader, you could probably commit your time to reading through the Bible as quickly as possible so that you can say that you did it. Many of us are not speed readers and this article is dedicated to those folks.

Below are some simple instructions to help you read and study your Bible that will bring joy and enlightenment to you as you learn the principles of the Bible that makes and keeps your beliefs and faith strong.

Note: The Bible contains words of life and instruction. Just like a favorite meal, the words are meant to be savored for your full and complete enjoyment.

1. Pray. Although your day may start with prayer, consider the wishes of God as you pray and ask for His guidance on where you should start your study. 
2. Read the passage which you feel led to begin with. Read it completely through. Dissect the passage. Hi-lite the individual verses that particularly speak to you at that given time. As you dissect the passage (and it may take several days,) look for coordinating passages that will help you get a deeper understanding. Look for ways to apply your target passage to your life. Make it real to your everyday living. 
3. Meditate – When you come to the end of your study time for the day, pray that God will bring to your memory the principles of what you have learned. Make a flash card and stick it in your pocket or purse. Read the card throughout the day. Memorize the words of the passage. Meditate on the words and see what comes up in your heart that will make it more concrete in your very being. 
4. Pray – By the end of your day, your mind’s eye will be able to give you a snapshot of what you have meditated on throughout your day. Pray to God, thanking Him for keeping His Word fresh in your mind and heart. Thank Him also for helping you to live His Word.

I pray that this has helped you. Happy Studies! Please share as we expand in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, revelation, and discernment in the Kingdom of God. God bless you!

For more information, visit www.DrillSergeantofLife.com. Also connect on Facebook: @DrillSergeantofLife.  

Beatrice Bruno is The Drill Sergeant of Life: Author, Speaker, Ordained Minister, US Army Veteran. Beatrice loves the Lord and loves what He is doing in her life. Beatrice is here to help you Get Over Yourself, Get Out of Your Own Way, and Let Go of the PAST so you can get what YOU want out of life and what God desires that you have. Beatrice is a dynamic, no-holds-barred speaker, especially passionate about encouraging her sisters and their misters to be all they were called to be in the Army of Life.