THE ART OF OBSERVATION --- Learning to See The Bible is a book written in ancient cultures, so we need to learn to see details and hear words that are unfamiliar to our 21st century eyes and ears. As a result, reading the Bible takes patient practice.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN READING THE BIBLE: WHO ...
is speaking? Listening?
is doing what?
WHAT ...
do people say? What do people do?
questions get asked? What answers are given?
are you seeing/reading? An argument? A speech? A poem? A song? A prayer? A list? A prayer? What words are repeated?
pictures or images do you see? Sheep? Light? Coins? Green grass?
is the feeling? Anger? Scolding? Sorrowful? Explanation?
WHEN ...
is something happening? In the past? Now? In the future?4. Where…
is something happening? In a house? A boat? On the road? In Egypt? Or…?
WHY ...
…do you think the scripture reading was written? (Words like “and,” “for,” “but,” “therefore,” “since,” “because,” “so that,” and “if…then” will give you a clue.)
Questions to ask when reading the Bible 1. What comes before and after the section of scripture you’re reading? 2. What did this scripture mean to the people who were involved? 3. What did this scripture mean to the original audience? 4. What might this scripture mean to us today?
TEN Things to do when reading the Bible 1. The Bible was meant to be heard. So read the Bible out loud. 2. Read passages of scripture more than one time.
The first time, ask yourself: What do I see? What stands out?
The second time, ask yourself: What do I think the text means?
The third time, ask yourself: What is God calling me to do or be through this text?
3. Read with your (coloured) pencil/s. Circle things. Draw lines connecting things. 4. Imagine yourself in the story. What do you smell? Touch? Taste? What might you say or do? 5. Memorize passages of scripture. 6. Read scripture with others. Talk about and test your discoveries. 7. Take notes. Journal about your thoughts and feelings. Draw pictures. Sing the words. Ask questions. 8. Expect God to speak to you. 9. Don’t worry about understanding everything right away. Concentrate on doing what you know, trusting that God will teach you more when the time is right. 10. Have fun exploring, experimenting, and living!