Pray
Pray that the Lord will open your mind to understand what you read — this happens, for example, in Luke 24:45.
Background
It helps tremendously to know
- Who wrote the book.
- To whom he wrote it.
- Why he wrote it.
Think in terms of context
This enables you to interpret or understand what you read more accurately and meaningfully. Ask:
- What is the relation of the verse to the paragraph?
- What is the relation of the paragraph to what’s written before and after? — And to the book as a whole?
Associate what you read with the book and chapter to help you remember better.
Questions to ask of a passage:
- What does it really mean? Background study of Scripture and biblical times is important to get the full meaning.
- What does this passage tell me about God?
- What is the spiritual dynamic or timeless principle?
- How I can apply this to my life?
Questions to ask of yourself:
- What do I see that I did not know or realize before?
- What is the most meaningful verse to me?
- How should I respond to this?
Review
Avoid reading just once and hurrying off.
Review cements the Scripture in your mind; the more the better.
During the day challenge yourself to remember something from what you read. Review it if you don’t.
Memorize verses that are important to you. Write them down for review.
Recommended Resource
I highly recommend that every person wants to get the most they can out of reading the Bible purchase the Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, an excellent companion to the Bible. It is trustworthy and full of excellent and interesting information and full-color pictures, charts, maps, and diagrams that make the Bible come to life in your mind. It will always be in print in some edition and is available wherever books are sold.
