Reading to hear God speak
christian formation, spiritual formation, discipleship, prayer, bible study methods, mission, witness, how to, spirituality, spiritual, christian, christianity, lessons, study, guide,
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About This Project

it’s about a person

Wisdom is not found in knowing about things, but knowing a person—Jesus. This was Paul’s desire for the Colossians, that they would “know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2b-3) To know Jesus is to have communion with God.

So as we invite the Holy Spirit to guide and give us wisdom in our Bible study, He will teach us about Jesus and what is on Jesus’ heart and mind for us. As we apply what we learn, continually gaining wisdom, we will become like the One who is Wisdom—Jesus Christ.

 

promises for us

In her book, Lord Change Me! Evelyn Christenson explains a helpful way to study the Bible. She starts by encouraging us to claim this promise,

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

This is amazing! No matter who you are, or what you have done, God promises to give you wisdom for your life.  All you have to do is ask. As Jesus Himself urges us,

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8). 

So as you begin your Bible study, know that God is longing to fill you with His wisdom—which is about knowing Him.

 

reading to hear God speak

This method of Bible study focuses on listening to God as we read His words to us. This is how it works:

  1. Prayerfully choose a Bible passage to study. A good place to start would be the beginning of one of the four Gospels.
  2. Claim James 1:5 and pray that God will honour His promise to give you a knowledge of Himself.
  3. Begin reading the text slowly and thoughtfully. If you don’t understand something, try reading it again.
  4. When God calls your attention to an idea or a phrase in the text, stop! Don’t go any further. Christenson notes that God can stop you in different ways. These include:
    • A bolt out of the blue – “This is it!”
    • A quiet nudge or prompt—Have you thought about…..?”
    • An encouragement—“This will help with….”
    • Peace—“This is right.”
  5. Respond in prayer to what God has taught you. For example, a prayer of thanks, repentance, or submission to God’s will.

The next time you study, continue reading from where you stopped.

 

using your journal

In your Bible study journal, keep a record what God teaches you each day. You may also like to write a prayer responding to what you have learned.

Category
Bible study methods, Communion with God