READ THE BIBLE

Why we read the Bible

Because Jesus wants a relationship with you—and reading his Word is one of the best ways to know Him. Reading the Bible – reflecting on what it says and talking with God – will teach you how to recognize His voice, help you make wise decisions, and give him the opportunity to speak directly into your life.

 

Where do I start?

PICK AN EASY TO READ TRANSLATION.

There are many English translations of the Bible. At Summit we recommend The New International Version (NIV) translation or The New Living Translation (NLT).  Both translations are excellent and easy to understand and apply.

 

Pick a reading plan.

Whether you’re new to bible reading or a seasoned veteran, simply opening up and reading each day with no direction can get a bit confusing. We recommend choosing a reading plan and sticking with it, even if you miss a few days. Remember, the goal of reading your Bible is to spend time with Jesus. Any reading plan that leads you to spending more time with Him is a win, regardless of how long it takes you to finish. 

We recommend starting with one of the following: 

How to Read the Bible
Bible in a Year
90 Days in the Gospels 

Grab a paper Bible.

Our phones are powerful tools, and also powerful distractions. While we have a few Bible reading apps we recommend as a resource (see below), we encourage you to use a paper Bible for your regular reading. This will help you become more familiar with the overarching story of Scripture – and see how it all points to Jesus.

Be in community.

Reading your Bible does not have to be a solitary activity. We believe community is a necessity – so invite your friends and family to join you! Read the same plan or at the same time of day to hold each other accountable. Text a picture of the passage you read, or a takeaway from your time. Whatever it looks like – find someone to support you in your journey.

Bible Reading Methods

You may already have a method of reading the Bible that works for  you. If so, stick with it! If you’re not sure where to start, consider using SOAP or lectio divina. Both are helpful tools, but remember: the best reading method is the one that works for you!

 

SOAP

SOAP is a simple and effective Bible reading method that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It can be used with any passage of Scripture, making it a versatile tool for personal devotions, group studies, or journaling.

SOAP is a great starting point if you’re new to reading the Bible. It’s easy to remember, adaptable to any schedule—whether you have 5 minutes or 30—and helps deepen your understanding of Scripture. Plus, research shows that writing things down enhances learning and memory, making it easier to take your time in the Word with you through your day.

Before you begin, take a moment to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you, open your heart, and reveal His truth.

Scripture
Read through the passage for the day slowly. If you have time, read it twice (even in another translation) to deepen your comprehension. Write down a key verse that stands out to you or brings up questions. 

Observation
Reflect on what the passage is saying. What is the context? What happens right before this, and right after? What is this passage saying about God? Are their any repeating words or themes? Journal what you see. 

Application
How might you apply your life to this passage? What action can you take? 

If you’re struggling to see how the passage applies to your life, consider using the SPECK method. Is there a Sin to avoid, a Promise to claim, an Example to follow, a Command to obey, or something to Know about God? 

Prayer
End your time responding to God in prayer. Is the passage leading you to praise, repent, or ask God for something? Let what you’ve read guide this time.

lectio divina

Lectio divina is a Latin phrase that means “divine reading.” It is a way of reading and praying through a section of Scripture that dates back to early monastic communities. It has continued to be used for hundreds of years across a variety of church traditions. 

It can be easy to treat reading your Bible as a task to be completed rather than an avenue to spend time with your heavenly Father. Lectio divina intentionally slows you down, prompting you to pray and invite the Holy Spirit into your Bible reading time. Our heart for you is that reading your Bible would be time well spent with the One who created you.

Before you begin, take a deep breath and say a short prayer. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Word. I set my worries, distractions, and concerns for the day at Your feet. Holy Spirit, please guide me as I read. May I be open to what You have for me in the Word. Amen 

Read (lectio) 
Read through the passage for the day slowly. Take note of any words or phrases that resonate with you. Consider reading the passage again (even in another translation) so that it becomes familiar to you. 

Reflect (meditatio)
Take time to reflect on what you’ve read. Ask two questions of the text:

  1. What does this passage teach me about God? 
  2. What does this passage mean for me today?

If you’re struggling to see how the passage applies to your life, consider using the SPECK method. Is there a Sin to avoid, a Promise to claim, an Example to follow, a Command to obey, or something to Know about God? 

Respond (oratio)
Now is the time to move what you’ve learned from your head to your heart. Do you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to respond to something in this passage? How might you carry this into your day-to-day life? Bring your response to God in prayer. 

Rest (contemplatio)
Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. End your time by resting in His presence and listening for His voice.

Consider practicing lectio divina in your community group or around the breakfast table with your family or roommates. 

Have someone in your group start the time with a short prayer, focusing everyone’s attention on the Word. 

Read (lectio)
Choose 2-3 people to read through the passage, each in a different translation (i.e. NIV, NLT, The Message.) After one person reads the passage, pause. Then invite everyone in the group to share the word or phrase that stood out to them. No need to explain why, simply say it out loud. Repeat this after reading each translation. 

Reflect (meditatio)
As a group, discuss the following questions: 

  1. What does this passage teach us about God? 
  2. What does this passage mean for us today?

If you’re struggling to see how the passage applies to your life, consider using the SPECK method. Is there a Sin to avoid, a Promise to claim, an Example to follow, a Command to obey, or something to Know about God? 

Respond (oratio)
Now is the time to move what you’ve learned from your head to your heart. Do you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to respond to something in this passage? How might you carry this into your day-to-day life? Together, bring your responses to God in prayer. 

Rest (contemplatio)
Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. End your time by resting in His presence and listening for His voice. 

Have someone close the time with a prayer. 

Further Resources

Reading Apps

You Version Bible App 
Read Scripture App (Bible in a Year Reading Plan)
Lectio 365 App (Daily Scripture reading + contemplative prayer)

 

Books

How to Read the Bible for All it’s Worth – Gordon Fee (reading for information)
Eat this Book – Eugene Peterson (reading for formation)

 

Study Resources

NIV Study Bible
ESV Study Bible
The Bible Project
Blue Letter Bible
Bible Hub