Learning to be Shaped by Scripture: Creating a Spiritual Rhythm of Bible Study

One of the most fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith is that the Bible is God’s Word—and these words speak to us. The Scriptures spoke to generations before us, and will speak to generations after us until Christ returns. This is why we love to study the Scriptures inductively—taking into account the context of the text, making observations, drawing reasonable inferences, and applying these truths to our lives as the Holy Spirit guides us.

BEGIN WITH PRAYER 

Begin in  prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time today.

INTRO QUESTIONS

Spend a few minutes reflecting on the past week. Think through the following questions:

• Were you able to spend time drafting a digital rule of life? If so, how did it go for you?
• What did you notice about your current digital habits? Did anything surprise you or give you pause?
• Was there anything you tried that you found helpful? Was there anything frustrating?

SCRIPTURE READING

Read the following scripture passage: Psalm 119:9-16

APPLICATION

Careful study of the Bible is essential to a healthy Christian life and community. And it is not the only way to let our lives be shaped by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Lectio divina, Latin for “divine reading,” is a devotional reading of Scripture that has existed for over 1,700 years. This practice emerged when literacy rates were low, and accessibility to written texts were few and far between. Communities of believers used this method to enable followers of Jesus—with or without a copy of the Bible (or an ability to read it)—to receive God’s Word and consider how to respond.

Practicing this spiritual discipline opens us up to more ways to hear from, experience, and respond to God—individually and communally. A benefit of lectio divina is that there is less temptation to read solely in order to consume information (a temptation to study inductively). In whatever way you interact with the Bible, Scripture is meant to be read with ears open to hear God’s voice through his Word and respond!

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