Bible engagement practices …
Many people find Bible engagement a hit-or-miss affair. That’s unfortunate and unnecessary. There are tried-and-true ways to develop and maintain regular engagement with God’s Word.
Gleaned from decades of learning and teaching, here are my top ten Bible engagement practices to equip you to jump in and stay connected with God’s Word:
Connect with the author.
The Bible is more than words. Bible engagement is Jesus engagement. Concentrate less on what the Bible is saying and more on who the Bible is talking about (Jesus). Prayerfully aim to meet Jesus in and through your encounters with the Word. According to theologian and author Scot McKnight, the aim of Bible engagement isn’t to know the Bible; it’s to know the God of the Bible. Seek Him, and you’ll find Him (cf. Jeremiah 29:13). While He’s often hidden, He reveals Himself when you search diligently. You’ll know you’ve found Him when your heart feels like it’s on fire (cf. Luke 24:32).
Discover your Bible engagement disposition.
Different personalities connect with the Bible in different ways. There’s no one way or right way to receive, reflect, and respond to God’s Word. Some like to study it; others want to soak in it. Figure out how you’re wired. What’s your devotional temperament? You may prefer to sing, journal, question, draw, contemplate, or pray the Bible.
See it as a lifelong journey.
The Bible isn’t a book you read from beginning to end, and then you’re done. It’s a companion on a voyage where you spend time together until you reach the final destination. Your time together doesn’t happen willy-nilly. Create a plan. There must be direction and planning so that Bible engagement occurs in a structured manner.
Keep it at your fingertips.
There are moments available every day to engage with God’s Word. Open the Bible app on your phone or tablet instead of checking your emails or scrolling through Facebook. When driving to work or soaking in the tub, listen to a Psalm or short passage of Scripture on YouVersion.
Do it with others.
When Bible engagement is a community experience, it creates an inflow of inspiration and positive reinforcement. We’re better together. Individual engagement with God’s Word requires substantial personal discipline. But when you’re accountable to someone, it strengthens engagement. Sharing and discussing your encounters with the Word also deepens your understanding and enhances your memorization.
Read it on its own terms.
Don’t try to manipulate or control it. The Bible has authority over your life, not the other way around. Be humble. Let the Bible read you. Bible engagement is a living experience. Place yourself under the Word and invite it to interpret you.
Put yourself into the story.
Exercise sanctified imagination to enter into it. Bible engagement requires participation. Move beyond simply reading or listening. Envision yourself as one of the characters or see yourself in the original situation. Once you’ve entered it, immerse yourself in it. Set the scene, play the part, and be carried along by the narrative’s drama.
Share it.
God’s Word must be on your lips as much as it’s in your heart. Please don’t keep it to yourself. Meet with a friend via Zoom. When you verbalize and teach it, you absorb it. Tell your family how God’s Word speaks to you. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” Mark 16:15.
Try something new.
English poet William Cowper said, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” Revive old habits with fresh routines. If you’ve been doing a verse-by-verse reading, try whole book reading. Maybe switch from one version to another. Or, if you usually read the Bible, listen to a Bible audiobook instead.
Live it out.
Bible engagement is as much about your hands and feet as your head and heart. It comes alive when you put it into practice. Be a Nike Christian; Just do it! Bible engagement is more than gleaning information; it should result in transformation. Obey it. Become more like Jesus, not just in your thoughts and values but also in what you say and do.
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Related Resources
Strengthening Bible Engagement
Summary
What Bible engagement practices help you connect with God’s Word more consistently and meaningfully? Key strategies include connecting personally with Jesus through Scripture, discovering your preferred method of engaging with the Bible, and viewing it as a lifelong journey rather than a one-time read. Engaging with others, keeping the Bible accessible, and letting it read you instead of trying to control it are also important. Finally, putting Bible teachings into action and trying new approaches can deepen your connection and understanding of God’s Word.
© Scripture Union Canada
