How to Study the Bible

Jan 4
3 min read

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105

Studying the Bible is not about checking a box, gaining knowledge, or having all the right answers. It is about relationship and learning to hear God’s voice, understand His heart, and allow His Word to shape your life from the inside out.

This guide is designed to help you approach the Bible with confidence, curiosity, and grace, whether you are brand new to Scripture or returning with fresh intention.

1. Set Your Intention

Before opening the Bible, pause.

Ask yourself:

Why am I coming to Scripture today?
What do I need from God right now, guidance, comfort, wisdom, correction?

Prayer to Begin

"God, I invite You into this time. Open my heart and mind to Your truth. Help me understand Your Word and apply it to my life. Amen."

2. Choose Where to Start

If you are unsure where to begin, here are gentle starting points:

Psalms – for prayer, comfort, and honesty with God
Proverbs – for wisdom and daily guidance
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) – to know Jesus and His example
James – for practical faith lived out

Choose a passage that matches the season you are in.

3. Read Slowly and Repeatedly

Instead of rushing through chapters, focus on a short passage.

Try this:

Read the passage once to understand the context
Read it again, slowly
Notice words, phrases, or verses that stand out

God often speaks through what catches your attention.

4. Ask Simple Questions

As you read, reflect with curiosity, not pressure.

Helpful questions include:

What does this passage reveal about God?
What does it reveal about people or the human heart?
Is there a promise, command, or truth here?
How does this connect to my life right now?

5. Study the Context

Understanding context helps avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Consider:

Who wrote this passage?
Who was it written to?
What was happening historically or culturally?

You can use a study Bible, footnotes, or trusted commentaries to help.

6. Reflect and Journal

Writing helps move Scripture from your mind to your heart.

Journal prompts you might use:

“God is showing me…”
“This challenges me to…”
“I feel invited to…”
“I need to surrender…”

There is no right length. Honesty matters more than volume.

7. Pray the Scripture

Turn what you’ve read into prayer.

For example:

Thank God for His promises
Ask for help living out what you’ve learned
Sit quietly and listen

Scripture becomes powerful when it shapes how we speak to God.

8. Apply One Small Step

Bible study is not complete without application, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Ask:

What is one small step of obedience I can take today?
How can I live this out practically?

Faithfulness often looks like small, consistent steps.

9. Be Patient With the Process

Some days Scripture will feel alive and clear. Other days it may feel quiet. Both are part of spiritual growth. Consistency matters more than intensity. Trust that God is working, even when progress feels slow.