Tool Kit for Radical Methodists: Daily Scripture Reading

If you want to be a radical Methodist, reading from the Bible should become one of your daily habits. Covering a lot of scripture each day isn't necessary. For me, even the One Year Bible is too much, because I prefer quality over quantity. Sure, there's some value in reading through the entire Bible in a year with multiple daily readings, but I get so much more out of it when I focus on just one passage at a time. I enjoy reading the passage over and over again and memorizing the key verses. I also like consulting commentaries and doing word studies. I'm more interested in really getting a single passage into my mind and spirit than reading multiple chapters from a reading plan. But that's what works for me.

When I've run into obstacles or experienced spiritual "dry seasons", I've discovered that my own inconsistency in praying and reading scripture daily has usually been part of the problem. In today's culture, our minds are bombarded with ideas from many sources. Some of those ideas are healthy, but others aren't. I've found that shutting out the rest of the noise and spending time listening to God through scripture for a little while each day keeps my mind on track and refreshes my spirit. The battle against sin starts in the mind, so I can't stress enough how important it is to do this daily. Paul writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NRSV)

When I first read a passage of scripture, I usually feel nothing. No kidding. But then I read it again. I pray about it and ask the Holy Spirit to bring it to life. God already inspired the writers of scripture. That same God will supernaturally inspire the readers. (That's you and me!) If you aren't getting much out of reading the Bible, maybe you've been reading too much too fast, or maybe your expectations are low. From my observations, people who have a low view of the inspiration of scripture don't typically see the supernatural transforming effects from scripture that others see. Perhaps there's a connection with what I call the "Nazareth effect" where Jesus couldn't work many miracles in his own hometown because of the people's unbelief. Is it possible that our unbelief in the power of scripture prevents miracles in our hearts and lives? 

So how should one decide which passage to read each day? I like to click over to the Upper Room site and get the reading that accompanies the daily devotional. (Under the title of the devotional, you'll see a link to the daily reading. Clicking on that link opens a pop-up window of that reading in the NRSV.) But there are other sources as well. I don't personally recommend reading multiple passages, however, especially if you haven't been disciplined with such reading plans in the past. Instead, take a single passage and really get into it.

There's a new prayer guide that will be released in November by Rueben Job (author of Three Simple Rules). I received an advance copy, and after using it some, I've decided to make this my Bible reading/prayer guide for the coming year. It starts with the first Sunday in Advent (November 29) and goes through the Christian year. The scriptures from the Lectionary are the passages for Sunday, but there's a single passage selected for Monday through Saturday of each week. Weekly start dates are included for the next three years and Bishop Job also offers quotations and prayer reflections for each week. The book is not overwhelming, and I don't feel a sense of guilt or the need to "catch up" if I miss a day. 

Whichever system you use, set aside time each day and focus on one passage of scripture. Expect to be changed. Expect God to speak to you. Ask him to show you how to apply it to your life. Don't be afraid to look up cross references or do word studies. If you're desperate to hear God's voice, studying and meditating on scripture is a way to "prime the pump." Even if your personal studies start out seeming dry and routine, stay the course. Find a friend with whom you can discuss your experiences. Compare notes. If you stick with it, you'll see transformation.

Comments

[Una Malachica]

or you could visit Sunday's Child www.unamalachica.blogspot.com to see a daily lectionary with a short commentary and many other links

[Clay Knick]

Excellent post Shane.

One thing I like to do is read the Psalm readings in the Daily Office of the BCP along with whatever else I'm doing. I think I'm going to follow your lead beginning next month.

[Neil]

Great points about daily reading and how to read. I follow the quality over quantity part, but I do encourage people to do a serious quantity stretch sometime. Fly through as fast as you can. You won't get all the details, of course, but you get a good feel for the overall tone of scripture.