6 Tips to Staying Focused When Reading the Bible
The Bible is considered sacred in both Judaism and Christianity. This holy book conveys messages of deep spiritual importance and describes God’s close relationship with His children. It has challenged people to consider and evaluate their faith for hundreds of years. If you are interested in developing your own connection to the Bible, here are six ways you can focus your attention while reading it.
1. Set an Intention for Your Prayer Time
As with most things, the more you read and study the Bible, the more you are able to glean of its wisdom. This is a beautiful book that deserves much quiet pondering. You might want to take a few moments for silent prayer to clear your mind before you start reading. Try to shut out the distractions of your day and your to-do list and be receptive to what God might be telling you at this moment.
If finding time to read the Bible is challenging, strive to make time. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours with the text. Even just a few minutes could make a difference. You could block out a short time in your morning, so you’re approaching prayer and the Bible first thing. Or you can make time for it in the evening to close your day on a positive note.
2. Follow a Bible Reading Plan
The Bible is a big book, and it might seem overwhelming. Where should you start reading? How much should you read? Following a Bible reading plan or prayer schedule can help break it down into manageable chunks.
There are many one-year Bibles out there if you’re set on reading it all the way through. Devotionals are another text that can supplement reading the Bible. Bible translations are also helpful. Bible scholars have translated the Bible into modern English, and there are multiple versions. You might want to check out a different version than the old-school King James Bible if the King James feels foreign to you.
3. Use Study Tools
Another tip is to use study tools that you’d use for reading academic texts. This includes highlighters, sticky notes, and felt-tip markers. There are some special highlighters that don’t bleed through the thin paper found in most Bibles.
A dictionary of Bible terms can also be handy. Some Greek and Hebrew words have multiple translations. It’s sometimes helpful to see what the other meanings are because they can give a passage entirely fresh meaning.
4. Make a List of Your Favorite Passages
Many Bible readers develop a list of their favorite passages over time. These are the words that have inspired, comforted, uplifted, or healed them. You might want to develop a quick reference list yourself. It can provide a framework for deeper study.
5. Color-Code Your Favorite Bible Stories by Theme
The Bible has many beloved stories, from Daniel in the lion’s den to Joseph and the coat of many colors. These stories have some common themes. As you read, you might consider color-coding your favorite Bible stories in a way that speaks to you. It can be a quick visual aid for your next dive into reading the Bible.
6. Form a Bible Study Group
Some people like to study the Bible quietly by themselves. Some people like to share their reading with others. Some people find spiritual uplift from both practices. Forming a Bible study group could help you encourage each other to read the Bible and stay committed to your reading.
Inspiration can find us at any time. When you come into reading the Bible with focused attention, you are prepared for finding meaning and comfort in its pages. That is the grace of reading this timeless text.