You pick up the Bible, determined to read after falling off for weeks! You figure the “verse of the day” on your Bible app is a start! So, you read..and read..and doze off..and read..okay, DONE! A few Tiktoks won’t hurt, right?

Such is the short, dull life of many Bible studies! A real tragedy, aint it? Treating bible studies like boring book club meets is a guaranteed snoozer! And worse, by just “reading”, the entire message of the Bible is missed! Ready to spice up your Bible studies? Buckle up for this surefire guide to help strengthen the impact of God’s words!

Step 1: Prayer is the Ultimate Key for Revelation

For many, praying before meditating is optional. For me (and now you), praying is necessary! The Holy Spirit is the lamp of our direction and wisdom! He also gives us mental clarity, and highlights messages for us to meditate on! Inviting the Holy Spirit into your study is the first step! And prayer is the tool that grants Him access for divine intercession! 

A prayer for guidance doesn't have to be strictly textbook! Nor does it have to be insanely long. If you’re lost on what to pray, begin with this: 

       “Heavenly Father, as I step into your presence, I cover myself with the precious blood of your son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth! I invite you in, Holy Spirit, to intercede my wisdom and understanding, and to let your perfect wisdom and knowledge supersede my own. For the words I need, Holy Spirit, I pray that you will highlight and expose exactly what you need me to focus on during this time. I confess that my ears and eyes are blessed; that my ears hear and my eyes see! I give all the glory and honor to my Lord, Jesus Christ, and it is by His blood that I seal this prayer! Amen.”

Step 2: Time To Pick That Home-Hitter Verse, Champion!

Choosing a book to study can be the hardest step! It's like picking a Netflix movie to watch while you eat: SO MANY OPTIONS! Here’s how to solve that problem, easy peasy:

• Look up a Bible plan, either on Google or YouVersion (recommended Bible app. #NotSponsored...yet)

• Let the plan choose a book and chapter for you

• Double down on verses that pop out to you and have fun! 

When starting small with verses, memory retention strengthens! Your mind takes time to process information, and chopping up chapters can give that process a big boost! Stronger retention lifts the brain in tying scripture to thoughts! Your input, however small, will still become your output! So naturally, your tiny reading of verses will steadily produce shifted minds in Christ! 

Step 3: Read It & Weep! Just Kidding!

What’s next? You guessed it! Reading the chapter over and over again. 2-3 times should be enough to familiarize you with the chapter! Verses are excerpts, or a small part, of chapters, so always read the whole chapter where a verse is to get the FULL PICTURE!  

1st time, read slowly, and comprehend what you're reading! 2nd time, take light note of who’s doing what, or the message being said! Writing down your interests after first-reads helps in the next step! It engages your brain to filter important intel, and can improve your understanding! 

So, let’s say you’re done reading, and then? Well, next up is the fun part! The actual meditating!

Step 4: Meditation >> Reading! The Guaranteed Faith Escalator!

So, what is meditation? Closing your eyes and breathing while listening to ASMR? Clearing your mind? NO! This misconception of meditation is extremely dangerous! It empties your mind to make space for demonic spirits! Meditation, as God commands, is simply stuffing your mind with His word! To murmur, ponder, and digest the word; think of it constantly, apply it, and then integrating His words into prayer, in days and nights, is true meditation! (Psalm 1:2 AMPV)

Pay attention to the classic W’s: who, what, when, where, and why (and sometimes how)! Focus on causes and effects, and why things happen to specific people! These questions train you to notice patterns in the content and context of your study! Question every single thing you THINK you know! An inquisitive mind that questions both of the “known” AND the “strange” is one set freely to receive new revelations!

Note observations and questions! The goal is NOT to change scripture in any way, but to gain more understanding!  Not to drag us, but instead to edify us through Jesus Christ!

Step 5: Using Your Key Unlocks Golden Answers!

Don’t let your questions go unanswered! For this, I recommend using these: the Amplified Bible Version (AMPV), Google, and David Guzik’s Enduring Word bible commentary! In the AMPV, there’s a depth that the KJV can’t replicate. Also, references are given to find where the Scripture first originated in the Bible, which is helpful for making connections!

Use Google to get the exact definition for both known and unknown words! Using those, apply more questions about the conditions of the “words” themselves! Though a great resource, don’t rely solely on Guzik and Google. His commentary and world definitions shouldn't limit your understanding! It should be a foundation for more questions!

Closing Remarks: The Drive Home!

Share your findings with others! Talking with others solidifies your understanding of God’s intended messages for us! Different perspectives of the same verse is necessary: it confirms what you do & don’t know! Spiritual hunger for fresh knowledge is what really grants access to tying scripture into our lives with versatility! So, take this guide and try it today! Although it may take time to do, is not the reward worth it? Give God and yourself time to connect! Have a blessed day! Amen.