If You’re Seeking Closer Communion with God...Try This Bible Reading Approach
Is Your Current Method of Reading Keeping You from Deep Connection?
Reading scripture consistently is a foundational practice for spiritual growth. Centuries of Christian spirituality give testimony to the value of scripture reading. St. Ambrose (340-397 a.d.) knew it, writing these words in his Examuron:
You should read the Scriptures not for curiosity, but for your spiritual health.
Before St. Ambrose, Jesus knew it, quoting words that had been written in Deuteronomy 8:3 more than a thousand years before the time of Jesus:
[Jesus] answered, “It is written, ‘[Men and women] shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
It turns out that the record of testimony about the importance of reading scripture is long!
I always appreciate each read of these words about the possibility of a richer connection with Jesus. A subscription — free or paid — not only helps me keep this independent publication in spiritual formation growing but also helps you stay on the way to a deeper life with Jesus.
Saying that reading scripture consistently is important for spiritual growth is similar to saying that a regular physical workout is important for weight loss, health, and vitality. But some workout methods are more useful than others. Many have discovered that in spite of regular workouts, there are little gains in weight loss, health, and energy. So, what if your current approach to reading scripture is actually hindering your spiritual growth? What if there is a better way to read scripture that leads to more spiritual growth?
I hardly want to discourage traditional ways of reading scripture, for there isn’t enough scripture reading in U. S. culture. The American Bible Society says that the average U. S. citizen opens the bible only about 3-4 times per year. So, you might think that just getting people to read the Bible more would be enough. Maybe that’s true. What if the way we approach reading scripture doesn’t invite the depth of engagement needed for spiritual growth? Could there be another way of reading scripture that will help you gain more from it with every reading, leading to a richer connection with God?
I’ve spent years in my spiritual journey following traditional Bible reading methods: daily devotionals, read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year programs, participating in Bible studies, and attending study groups that dive into specific books of the Bible. These methods are not without value. However, their value is often found in something other than deep personal and spiritual transformation. For example, daily devotions typically offer a verse of scripture followed by an inspirational story or a commentary from someone else. The other methods I’ve mentioned are more analytical and intellectual, aiming to build familiarity with biblical culture, provide information about the flow and development of biblical writings, and help you establish a base of knowledge about doctrinal beliefs and values. While these approaches have their place, they differ from the goals of spiritual growth and deep personal transformation.
A Different Way of Reading Scripture that Leads to Spiritual Growth
What is this different way of reading scripture? It is the contemplative reading of scripture. A few questions will help unpack what this reading method is.
Question #1: What is the goal of contemplative reading of Scripture?
The goal is to deepen one’s relationship with God and cultivate a transformative, spiritual encounter with His Word. Unlike more analytical or intellectual approaches to Scripture, contemplative reading seeks to engage the heart and soul, allowing the Word to penetrate deeply and lead to personal reflection, prayer, and transformation. In contemplative reading, the reader is less concerned with extracting information or understanding every detail and more focused on being present to God’s message, listening attentively to how it speaks to the heart. The goal is not simply to gather knowledge but to allow Scripture to shape one’s life, to open the reader to God’s presence, and to inspire a deeper love and understanding of Him.
Question #2: What are you doing when you are using a contemplative way of reading scripture?
Being “here” in these words: You approach the text with a sense of reverence. This is the Word of Living God, the Word that God loves, and the Word that God has given. More than parsing it into a set of beliefs, it is about being fully present in the moment and open to what God may be revealing to you about Him…or about you, likely both. It’s not about rushing through the passage, but slowing down to really listen.
Meditating: Rather than reading for information, you pause and reflect on the meaning of the words, allowing them to settle in your heart. You meditate on the deeper message, asking questions like, "God, why in your great love for me, have you shown me this today of all days?"
Praying what you’ve read: Most of the time, reading turns into praying. You find yourself responding to the passage with words of gratitude, petition, or confession. The text becomes a conversation between you and God, allowing His Word to speak directly to your heart.
Seeking transformation: Remember, the goal is to allow the Scripture to transform you. You’re not just absorbing knowledge, but allowing the Word to shape your attitudes, thoughts, and actions. It’s a process of spiritual formation, where you become more attuned to God’s will.
Being still: Contemplative reading almost always leads into delicious moments of silence and stillness. After reading, you might sit quietly, the words resonating within you. When you have to go with your busy day, you almost always regret having to leave these life-giving and life-altering words. You want more, not less, of these words.
Slow reading: Instead of moving quickly through chapters or entire books, you may reread a verse or small passage multiple times, savoring it and noticing new insights each time. The goal is not quantity, but depth.
Question #3: Is contemplative reading of Scripture biblical?
It’s a great question. If it isn’t, it shouldn’t be used. But here’s the great news: it is! It is assumed everywhere in scripture. More, this method is stated “outloud” in scripture:
Blessed is the person who loves [delight in] the Lord’s teachings; they think about [meditate on] those teachings day and night (Psalm 1:2).
I will fix my mind on Your instructions and my eyes on Your path (Psalm 119:15).
Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Meditate on it day and night to be careful to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and ·successfulin everything along life’s path (Joshua 1:8).
Be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22).
Martha had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:39-42).
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7).
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).
Try a Contemplative Way of Reading Scripture
First, read one sentence spoken by Jesus.
Other methods will want you to read more, and there is some value in that. Other methods will provide commentary on what you are reading, and again, there is value in that. But if your goal is to grow in intimacy with God, and allow His Word to guide, heal, and nourish the soul, Christians for centuries have found reading a shorter section of scripture in a slower, more meditative approach to be of invaluable help.
But Jesus answered, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
It is just one sentence. It is just 24 words. You can read it once in about 10 seconds. That means you can read it slowly several times in two or three minutes. Pause between readings, take a breath, and then read it again.
Next, be aware of a word or word-picture embedded in the words is waiting to be discovered by you.
As a reader, you are like a honeybee in search of nectar. Once you, the honeybee, finds the nectar, you quit flitting from flower to flower. God knows you. He knows your situation. He knows yesterday. He knows today. He knows tomorrow. Because of his love for you, He has embedded nectar in this brief sentence of 24 words. As you read slowly the sentence spoken by Jesus 2,000 years ago, be aware that God is going to stop you on one or two words, or a word picture. Use your brainpower to think about the word. Let your life experience help you dig into it. Let your curiosity come alive. What is this word? What does it mean? Where is it leading?
Next, let your wondering and pondering turn into conversational prayer with God.
God has already started the conversation. He had the first word and gave you his word. You’ve been thinking about what God said and showed you. It’s captured your attention. Now you’re engaged. You get the second word: ask a question about the word God gave you? “God, why have you shown me this?” Or, “What do you know about what’s around the corner that, in your love for me, you showed me this?” Let the conversation evolve.
Finally, sit in stillness for a few minutes before returning to your day.
The stillness will seal this word in your soul. It will allow you to take it with you into your day. And when you return the next day, or next time, for more contemplative reading of scripture, you’ll build on what you received this time.
I’d love to hear about your experience or questions you might have about this transformational method of reading scripture.
Dear Pastor Gene, I cannot thank God enough for bringing you into my life. I look forward to gleaning more from you.