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Engaging with God through Scripture


Here are a few suggestions for engaging with God through scripture. Try and different method each day for the next week. I am confident you'll find God speaking to you!


The Artist Method

Read a passage of scripture, considering these three questions as you read.


  1. What speaks to my heart? Draw a heart beside the word that speaks to your heart.
  2. What new thought or idea comes to me? Draw a light bulb beside the new thought or idea.
  3. What does scripture move me to do? Draw a hand beside the action you want to take.
  4. Now, consider how you can apply one of your insights today and take action.

The Detective Method
Read a short narrative passage of scripture from one of the Gospels. Let the story take shape in your mind's eye.


  1. Imagine the scene.
  2. Observe the facts. Ask who, when, where, what questions.
  3. Once you have the facts, interpret the facts. Ask they why and wherefore questions. What meaning did the actions have for the characters? What meaning do the actions have for you?
  4. Then apply your study to your own life. Ask how will this change my life? What do you take away from the story?

The Treasure-seeker Method

When reading scripture consider the following application questions:


  1. Is there an example here for me to follow?
  2. Is there a promise to claim or a command to obey?
  3. Is there a prayer for me to pray?
  4. Is there a sin to be confessed?
  5. Is there a question God is asking me?

Jesus' Apprentice Method

Choose a passage from one of the Gospels and study to discover all you can about Jesus. Ask yourself the following questions:


  1. What seems important to Jesus?
  2. What sort of questions does he ask people?
  3. What sort of questions do people ask him?
  4. What is Jesus inviting me to be and do?

Source: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

We'd love to hear from you. In what ways did you experience God speaking to you? Which method did you like best and why? What other ways have you found that help you engage with God in scripture?



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