If you’ve never studied the Bible before, there’s no time like the present to start! If you’ve been studying Scripture for a while and are looking for something new, some of these exercises might help you to grow in a new and different way. Pick 5 times this week to spend 5 to 10 minutes reading the Bible.
If you have never opened the Bible before, try reading one of the books that talk about Jesus’ life here on earth. The book of Luke is a great place to start.
If you need a Bible, you can download a Bible app on your phone (YouVersion is great). Pick a translation of the Bible that will be easy to understand, such as The New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV).
After you read for a few minutes, talk to God about what you read. Tell him what you saw about him in Scripture, and if there are parts you don’t understand, ask God for help, and reach out to a friend too! People who care about you would love to help you understand what you are reading in the Bible.
If you need or want a bit more structure or want more help with what to read, YouVersion has a lot of Bible reading plans to pick from. Whether you are new to the Bible or not, there should be a plan that fits your needs and how much time you have each day.
If you have a bit more time try these options:
Lectio Divina is a way to listen to God by meditating on Scripture. It is an opportunity to receive, to hear what God would say to us through a familiar passage, and then enter into a dialogue by responding to Him. Learn More
Entering the Narrative: have you ever wondered what it was like to experience the Bible story you are reading? Entering the Narrative gives you a chance to slow down and imagine yourself in the story, which brings it to life in a new way. This gives us a chance to experience God in our Scripture reading. Learn More
Praying Scripture: If we want to build or grow our relationship with God, praying Scripture is a great way to pray. It keeps us connected to a true view of God by letting his word guide us as we pray. This week, try spending 5 minutes daily praying through different scriptures. Learn More
For Groups
How to include Bible Study in your small group this week: Public Reading of Scripture or Praying the Scripture are two ways for a small group to read the Bible together. They’re not the only ways but may be new to your group so give one a try. Try another the next week and find your new favorite way for your group to read the Bible.
Ways to study the Bible together as a family this week: A couple of times this week, read the Bible together as a family. Our CTK Kids website has great content for you to use, or you could use The Bible App for Kids which has Bible stories, games, and activities to help kids engage with the Bible. Talk about what you read together.
If you’re ready for more
If reading the Bible is already a part of your life but you’re ready to go deeper, commit to a new Bible reading plan. Maybe you’ve never read through the Bible; find a plan that will take you through it in a year (the Bible reading plan on the Read Scripture App is a great one), or start on a plan that will help you to read it chronologically. Find a new and different way to read the Bible and see how it will help you grow.