How to Read and Study the Bible, and Pray – A New Year Commitment

It is imperative for a follower of Jesus to read and study the Bible. Christians of all ages and maturity recognize that connecting with God through His Word fuels spiritual growth. Here Ray Marshall provides some practical advice about how to develop this practice into a lifelong good habit.

Committing to Prayer and Reading the Bible – A New Year Commitment

Every new year people commit to all manner of lifestyle changes. Some choose to lose weight. Others choose to quit smoking. Many chose to let go a bad habit. Often people decide to deal with an addiction that is preventing them from having a good relationship with their family, or is perhaps holding them back from reaching their full potential.

However, as they review the past year, followers of Jesus often decide to rededicate their lives to God in some way. One popular way to do this is to commit time to reading the Word of God. Coupled with this there is often a renewed commitment to prayer. Often new Christians are overwhelmed by what seems to be a large and somewhat intimidating book. Having a clear plan can make reading God’s Word more enjoyable and ultimately, life-changing. A Bible Reading Plan can help to keep us on track.

Three useful downloadable Bible Reading Plans from the Navigators are: The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan; The Book at a Time Bible Reading Plan; and The 5x5x5 New Testament Reading Plan.

Of course, any plan is better than no plan and any time is a good time to begin spending time with the Lord. However, whenever you chose to start it is helpful to keep a few things in mind.

Spending Time Along With God.

The study of God is one of the greatest journeys that a human soul can embark on. Without doubt, spending time alone with God is vital if you want to grow as a Christian. Learning to study the Bible and pray are two important practices.

Listed below we give some advice about how to do this. These words of advice are not intended to be rules, simply some ideas about how best you can develop this important discipline in your life. The important thing is that you carry out a plan that will allow you to connect with God on an ever deeper level.

Before you begin, consider the things you need: Bible, notebook, pen, markers or crayons. A Worship song book can be helpful for motivating prayer.

Bible Choices

Perhaps you prefer to use a digital version of the Bible, or have downloaded an app to use on your phone. My personal preference is to use a large study Bible with wide margins that I can make notes in. As all bibles are human translations of ancient texts, there is no perfect version to use. However, there are some that are more popular to use due to their reliability, reading level, and availability.

Over the years, I have found my favorite versions to be the NIV, the NASB, and the NLT. Other widely accepted versions include the ESV and classics like the KJV. Chose the version or versions that makes the most sense for you. For example, you may chose to use the Message for its ease of reading, but use the ESV for deeper study.

If your first language is not English, you may prefer to use the NLT along with a version in your native language.

Step One – Prepare for Reading

Many choose to begin their time with God by using the following three guidelines: Pray, Praise & Thank.

First of all, prepare your heart, by offering up praise and thanksgiving.

Ask the Lord to open your mind and heart. (Psalm 119:18; Ephesians 3:20)

Spend time focused on praise and thanksgiving. (Psalms 100, 103, 139, 145)

It is also a good habit to spend time in confession. Ask God for cleansing. (Psalm 139:23, 24; I John 1:19; Psalm 51) We all commit sins on a daily basis. It is important to confess those sins, so that we can maintain a close relationship with the Lord.

Read and Meditate in the Word

Read a short chapter or portion of Scripture. (It may be best to read consecutively through a book.) If you have never read the Bible before, I personally recommend that you start with one of the gospels – perhaps Mark or John.

Observe closely what you are reading and take notes of words and phrases that you may not understand.

Use a highlighter or pencil crayons to underline thoughts that grab your attention. Watch for key phrases and words.

Another useful study technique is to meditate on the passage or portion that you have read by using meditation questions.

Suggested Meditation Questions

Meditating on phrases or verses throughout the day can be helpful for a deeper understanding of the Bible. Some have chosen to use the following meditation questions to help you them remain focused.

S – Is there a sin you need to confess, forsake or set right?

P – Is there a promise that you need to ask God to fulfill for you?

E – Is there an example that you can follow/not follow?

C – Is there a command that you need to obey?

K – Is there any knowledge about the Father, Son or Holy Spirit you need to make note of?

This framework provides a guideline to help you get deeper into the Word of God and avoid the common mistake of simply skimming the passages without thinking about what it means and how it might affect your life.

Forms of Prayer

Praying takes different forms. We can pray simply to thank and worship God. We can share unconfessed sins. We can ask God for our personal needs. We can also pray on behalf of other people. Intercession is the discipline of praying for the needs of others and yourself (See Matthew 5:11) The downloadable prayer hand from the Navigators is illustrated here is a useful tool for helping us to remember the different types of prayer.

Pray for family, friends (Christians and non-Christians), missionaries, spiritual leaders, your home country, etc.

Pray for yourself. Pray about your walk with God, character change, witness, decisions, relationships, issues, etc.

Another useful idea is to use the “Prayer Hand” to help you to pray effectively. Each finger represents a type of prayer that you can do.

Practical Suggestions

Decide on a time and place where you can avoid distractions. Establish a good routine. Find a quiet room in the house. Furthermore, set a regular time, rather than just studying when you think you have time. Many choose to meet God first thing in the morning.

As much as possible try to stay awake and alert. Sit for a while; walk around; pray verbally; pray quietly in a whisper or soft voice. Change your routine if possible. Try praying out loud from time to time. Perhaps you can do this when no one is home, while working in your yard, or on a long, private prayer walk.

Journaling & Studies

Write down your the thoughts and ideas that come to you when you are reading and praying. Record prayer requests and rejoice when you see them answered. Take note when you learn something new, or rediscover an old truth that seems particularly relevant. Writing down your thoughts and ideas can help you see how God has been working in your life and in the life of others over time.

If it helps, buy a journal or a notebook that you will enjoy writing in. Download journaling guides or read journaling blogs or books to give you ideas.

If you chose to study the Bible more deeply, a study guide can help. You can either buy one or find one online. Chose a book or topic that you think will help you in your growth.

A Couple of Quotes

Here are a couple of quotes to motivate you. The first is from E.M. Bounds, a famous Christian. You can read more of his quotes here.

God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly. He does not bestow His gifts on the casual or the hasty comer and goer. To be much alone with God is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him.” (E.M. Bounds)

The second quote is from the author of the Old Testament book of Lamentations, probably the prophet, Jeremiah.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait on Him, to the soul that seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:24

There is no doubt that a lifetime of benefits awaits for the individual who choses to spend regular time in God’s Word and in prayer.

If you are still not sure how to spend time alone with God, or you would like to get started and need help, please contact us.

How often do you read the Bible and pray? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.