Beyond Verse of the Day: Creative Bible Reading Habits to Spark Deeper Engagement
Let's face it: the "Verse of the Day" calendar on your fridge might be inspiring for the first few weeks, but after a while, it can feel a bit...stale. The Bible is vast and complex, and engaging with it meaningfully requires more than just a quick daily snippet. If you're looking to break out of the routine and dive into Scripture, here are some creative Bible reading habits to spark deeper engagement:
1. Embrace the Senses:
Sight: Ditch the digital and pick up a beautiful, physical Bible. Underline verses that speak to you, or use a journaling Bible with space for notes and artwork (here is my pick for a great ESV journaling Bible) (here is my pick for an NIV journaling Bible)
Sound: Listen to audiobooks or podcasts that dramatize or analyze Scripture. You can even find musical interpretations of specific passages. My absolute favorite audio Bible podcast is Pastor John Stange’s “Chapter A Day Audio Bible” – available on all major podcast platforms or click this link https://desirejesus.com/chapter-a-day
Touch: Trace the words on the page, or try calligraphy to write your favorite verses. If you’re like me, I use pencils to mark my Bible. Here is a kit I like that won’t bleed and comes in multiple colors – check it out
2. Think Outside the Book:
Explore different genres: Don't just stick to the familiar. Try reading the Bible like a historical document, a poetry collection, or a drama work.
Chronological: discover how the stories of the Bible fit together in time by reading it chronologically. Here is a One-Year chronological Bible for Kindle (also available in paperback)
Get creative with visuals: Draw, paint, or sculpt scenes from the Bible. You can also use online tools like Canva or PicMonkey to create collages or memes.
Write your own story: Imagine yourself as a character in the Bible and write from their perspective. Or create a modern-day retelling of a familiar story. (I wrote about how to do personal paraphrasing here)
3. Connect with Others:
Join a Bible study group: Sharing your thoughts and insights with others can deepen your understanding of Scripture. Many churches, like City Hills (Knoxville, TN), offer online small groups.
Start a book club: Choose a Bible book and read it with friends or family. Discuss your thoughts and questions along the way.
Use social media: Follow faith-based accounts on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook for inspiration and encouragement. You can also share your own Bible reading journey with others.
4. Make it Personal:
Ask yourself questions: What does this passage mean to me? How can I apply it to my life? What questions does it raise?
Pray about what you read: Ask God to help you understand His Word and how to live it out. In this excellent book, “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools” by Tyler Staton, learn more about prayer.
Keep a prayer journal: Write down your prayers, reflections, and insights from your Bible reading.
There is no standard way to read the Bible. The most important thing is to find an approach that works for you and helps you connect with God's Word on a deeper level. So get creative, experiment, and have fun!
By stepping outside the box and trying creative approaches, you can transform your Bible reading from a chore into a rewarding and enriching experience.
P.S.: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy something using them, I get a little bonus. There is no extra cost to you, just a way to show your love for my recommendations!
Learn How to Get the Most from Your Bible Study Time with My Free Course: S.O.A.P.+
If you find this blog helpful and want to say thanks, click here to buy Danny Davis a coffee.
