Reading Habits

[Eleana]

Hi guys...I donno where to put this question..hehe hope this is the rite place.

My question is, do you have a reading habit or techniques when comes to reading bible? For example, before reading a chapter in the bible, you start by reading a page of psalm, or sing hymn before reading the bible, etc...

Or you have some techniques to share with me? I am lost whenever I start reading bible. Always read for the sake of reading it....I dont want to be in this state...advice me pls. thanks!

 

[inkidinkido]

Scripture reading can be a very personal spiritual exercise in itself.

For myself I find I have something of a structured persaonl reading habit. Find a comfortable and peaceful place - I read in my bed before I go to sleep at night. There are several old hymns that have great meaning to me - I sing one or two to myself slowly and under my breath. Pray. Open up to any page and read until I am too tired. Pray as I fall asleep.

The purpose of reading isn't always reading because it is interesting or reading to learn a new doctrine or new insight into life. It is ok to read just for the sake of reading. Read as itself a devotional to God.

 

[filosofer]

I agree it is personal reading and what works for you. I read in the morning before anyone else is up. Over the past 30 years I have followed several different reading plans. Each had their strengths. I also recommend reading some books if you are just starting out.


Recommended Reading

Old Testament:

Exodus (history of the deliverance of God's people, Israel, from captivity in Egypt to the promised land - sets the stage for the res tof the OT)

Deuteronomy (provides link between generation that left Egypt, and the generation that enters the promised land - doundational for the rest of covenant history)

1-2 Samuel (provides the background and history of the establishing of the kingship in Israel)

Isaiah (considered the "Romans of the Old Testament")

Jeremiah (great link between covenant and Deuteronomy and the exile of God's people in babylon)

New Testament:

Luke (unique perspective of Jesus, friend of poor, downtrodden, women)

Acts (history of the early church)

Romans (foundational understanding of righteousness)

Ephesians (what it means to be part of the body of Christ)

Philippians (joy amidst suffering)

1 Peter (the Christian's hope in the midst of persecution)

1 John (greatest book about love)

 

[jay1_z]

I find it very hard to read the bible also. What you need is a minister that can help explain what is going on and then go home and review the chapter.

 

[christian-only]

I find it very hard to read the bible also. What you need is a minister that can help explain what is going on and then go home and review the chapter.

I think sometimes we make it harder on ourselves than we have to. For example, I know some people who say they are Christians, but don't even know why Christ died. In fact, one in particular asked me why, and I told him, but he forgot. (I don't see how.) Anyway, I suggested to him that he should read the book of Hebrews, since it answers so many questions concerning Christ's priesthood, but even to this day, when he reads the Bible, which isn't often, he reads the same passage in Proverbs over and over. Why? Because he doesn't understand it. If we dwell on what we don't understand, we'll never understand anything, but if we read what we will understand, what we don't will probably be cleared up.

 

[Biarien]

That's a good point. That's why it's important to keep reading and re-reading the Bible. God will open our eyes to new truths the more we read His word and come to understand what it means. Reading one verse can never show you everything the Bible teaches.

 

[christian-only]

I've been reading the Psalms recently, or actually listening to them, since I bought some CD's of the KJV recorded by Alexander Scourby. I've learned a lot from it. Unfortunately, though, his recording of Psalm 2 is garbled.