“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15, ESV)
The Bible is a big book. It’s an old book. It can be intimidating to pick up. Depending on what translation you’re using, it can feel clunky to read. Many people try, get lost or bored, and give up.
But before you throw in the towel, remember the old riddle: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Sure, it’s massive. But that doesn’t really matter. You can only eat one bite at a time, whether it’s an elephant or an apple.
So, break the Bible into bite-sized bits. Here’s a simple, repeatable method for reading Scripture. It can be as short as 10-15 minutes, or as long as an hour (or longer). It’s suitable for beginners and grows with you. It’s the method I use most often when I read my Bible. It involves four simple steps.
Read
Meditate
Pray
Contemplate
Before you start, select a passage. I recommend starting with something from Psalms or one of the Gospels. Choose a shorter section. You can read multiple chapters, but if you’re just starting to build a rhythm for Bible reading, I recommend choosing just a few verses. Most Bibles are divided into sections. Pick one of those. And pray. Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind.
Step 1 — Read the passage. Read it slowly. Read it two or three times (that’s why I suggested starting with a shorter passage). Note anything that catches your attention. It could be a question you have. It could be something new you learn. Something in the text might stand out or spark a thought.
Step 2 — Meditate. Read the passage again, considering what it means and giving weight and attention to what stood out in step 1. In the Bible, “meditate” means “chew” or “mutter.” Chew on the text (no, not literally). For example, in Psalm 119:15, think about God’s “precepts” and his “ways.” What are they? One thing that comes to my mind is the Great Commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself (see Mark 12:30-31). Allow yourself to be drawn into that passage. How can you, specifically and personally, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? How can you love your neighbor? Make a list of ways. Who is your neighbor? Think of one name or face. How could you love that person? Back to Psalm 119, what does it mean to fix your eyes on God’s ways? Why eyes? We love what we look at most, and we look at what we most love. Where do you fix your eyes?
You get the idea.
Step 3 — Pray. Talk to God about what you’re reading. Talk to God about what’s stirring up in your mind as you meditate. Go back through the passage again, talking to God as you go. Maybe something new will strike you. Don’t rush. Tell God what you’re thinking about, even if it seems unrelated.
Step 4 — Contemplate. How are meditation and contemplation different? Christian spiritual leaders throughout history have different views, but one of the simplest ways to distinguish them is by how active they are. Meditation is active; contemplation is restful. Meditation focuses on words and intellect; contemplation focuses on affections and imagination. When you contemplate, you rest in God’s presence. I close my eyes and imagine what it would look like for me to live out what I just read, meditated, and prayed. I picture myself praying for my neighbor. I remember singing and worshiping God last Sunday, when the congregation sang louder than the band. I visualize it in my imagination. Often, I feel God’s presence and joy.
After a time of contemplation, I close with a brief prayer. I speak to God about anything I’ve resolved to do, like praying for my neighbor. Typically, I’ll record a brief journal entry. It’s a great way to slow down and read the Bible with God.