1. Use Highlighters.
In my ebook “Simple & Sweet: Practical Tips For Women Learning To Study God’s Word“, I share a little about my personal Bible Study Color Key. It’s a system I use to help me keep track of important verses that I want to memorize or pray over my life.
In my key, I use the color pink to highlight any verses that speak to me as a wife, mother, or woman. Now when I need instruction or encouragement in those areas all I have to do is read the verses marked in pink. Simple enough, right?
2. Keep A Journal (or notebook) with your Bible.
I think one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made when studying the Bible is thinking that I can hold all that I learn in my head. The truth of the matter is, it takes a bit more than just reading God’s word for it to stick with me. It takes repetition and application. For me, that means writing out my notes. Taking written notes helps me cement what I just read in my mind. The longer it is on my mind, the more I meditate on it. The more I more I meditate on it the more likely I am to keep it.
I’ve experimented with a few different note taking methods. My favorite of all of them has been the S.O.A.P Bible Study Method. I love it so much I even designed my own Bible Journal based on it. It’s actually one of the bonuses you get when you buy “Simple & Sweet,”
3. Start Your Study With A Prayer
Confession – I don’t always start my time in the Bible with prayer. There are days where for whatever reason, prayer is the last thing on my mind. I’ll make my tea, turn on my happy lamp, flip open my Bible, and just go. I may get a little something out of it, but most days it feels stale. I could read a verse four or five times and not get anything out of it.
Starting my devotionals with prayer is my way of getting my mind set on God, inviting Him to teach and speak to me, and surrendering that time to Him. That’s my way of saying, “Jesus, you take the lead here. What do you want me to hear from you?” And most times, I come out having actually gained something. I give Him my time and attention and in return, He shares His heart with me. That, my friends, is golden.
What are some simple tricks you use to get the most our of your Bible Study?
Love these! Especially the notes in the bible!
well….does underlining a LOT in my Bible count? 😀
Love! And your awesome.
A lot of times, I do start my Bible study with a prayer – I ask God to speak to me as I read His Word…
I have never been a highlight in my Bible kind of girl. But I got a Kay Arthur Precepts Study Bible and I’ve tried coloring the words the way they suggest. It definitely make the study more meaningful.
Great tips – so simple yet powerful.
I always start my Bible study with prayer – asking Him to make His Word come alive!