Bible Reading

On more than a few occasions, people have asked for helpful ways to incorporate daily bible reading into their busy lifestyles. The frustration of many has often concluded that“I just don’t have the time.”

Let me offer a few suggestions that you might utilize as regular ways of “finding time”for bible reading and prayer.

1. If you use a computer regularly, add your email address to a “devotional scripture reading site.” This service provides you a daily passage for reflection and thought. Rarely does it take more than three or four minutes to read and afterwards to spend time thinking about that passage during the day.

2. Get a small readable New Testament with the Psalms (and Proverbs) if you can find it. Keep it with you-- In your shirt pocket, coat pocket, pants pocket. When you are waiting in line, stuck in traffic for extended periods, waiting for food in a restaurant, or between appointments, take a few minutes to read. Consider reading the Psalm that begins with the date of the month. For example on the 20th of September, read the 20th Psalm and if you are able, then add 30 and read the 50th Psalm, add 30 more and read the 80th Psalm and continue that pattern until you have read 5 Psalms that day and one chapter of Proverbs, again reading the chapter that corresponds to the date. Proverbs happens to have exactly 31 chapters. Over time, the repetition of this devotional reading pattern will give you great insight into prayer and praise, petition and instruction from the scriptures.

3. Another great pattern is to Read one book of the Bible at a time, one chapter at a time. Some of the great books to read this way are Genesis, Romans, John, or Philippians. All are good, but some help you to quickly gain a better understanding of important themes for Christian understanding. You can buy scripture portions that highlight certain books from places such as the American Bible Society. These are also then easy to distribute in Sunday School Classes, to friends, or to distribute along with an encouragement to others to read the good news of Jesus.

4. Find a regular place and time for quiet reading and reflection. Whether early in the morning, in the moments prior to starting your work day, or at the close of your lunch break, or before you go to sleep. All are great times to set aside as best fits your work and activities. Select one and do your best to stick with that pattern faithfully for 3 weeks. After that time, it will be much easier to keep going.

5. If you have young children, include them in a time of nightly prayer and bible reading. The times spent sharing with your little ones in teaching them about God’s love will impact them forever.

6. Find a Bible translation you can reasonably understand, and keep a dictionary handy. Both tools will help you.

7. A dear pastor friend who was in his 80’s shared that as a boy, his mother had challenged him to read the bible through every year. He said he had done that and some years had gone through more than once, but he also said, never did he ever read the scriptures without profit and blessing from doing so. With every reading, he gained new insights and understanding. You will too.