Don’t Just Read the Bible—Encounter God

A Simple Guide to Slowing Down with Scripture

Hurried “quiet times” leave Christians unfulfilled, other than having ticked off another activity on their daily to-do list. Is there not a better way to approach Bible reading?

In the early Church, believers sought not just to study Scripture, but to encounter God through it. The practice of Lectio Divina—Latin for “divine reading”—has deep roots in Christian tradition. Far from being a modern Bible study method, it dates back to the early centuries of the church. Its origins can be traced to early church fathers like Origen (3rd century), who encouraged a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture that moved the reader from text to transformation.

Using this ancient practice as a foundation, we’ve created a simple guide for anyone who wants to truly enter into the presence of God through His Word. It’s a process that invites you to slow down, wait, think, and interact with the inspired text in a deeper, fuller way.

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Step 1: Read the text slowly and attentively

Begin with a moment of silence. Settle your thoughts and invite God to speak.

Read the passage aloud—slowly and clearly. Let the words wash over you. Don’t try to figure everything out—just listen. Notice what draws your attention: a word, phrase, image, or emotion.

Then pause for a minute or two in silence. Sit with what you’ve heard.

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Step 2: Mark up the passage

Take a printed copy of the passage, a journal, and interact with the text. Use the following guide to mark what you see and feel.

(You can download this BIBLE READING OBSERVATION GUIDE to make your notes.)

Bible Passage Mark-Up Guide

As you read, use simple visual cues to engage more deeply with the text:

• Underline repeated words or themes
• Box a sentence that captures the heart of the passage
• Highlight anything that reveals God’s character
• Circle strong emotions, conflict, or tension
• Wavy underline any commands or calls to action

In the margins or in a notebook, you can also add:

• A question mark (?) for anything confusing or unclear
• An exclamation mark (!) for anything striking, surprising, or important
• A star symbol (★) for favourite or encouraging verses
• A “P” to mark promises from God
• An “M” to highlight mysteries or topics you want to explore further
• Any notes, insights, or cross-references that come to mind

Spend 5–10 minutes working slowly through the text. Let yourself linger.

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Step 3: Reflect on the meaning

Read the passage again—aloud or silently. Then ask:

• What is God saying through what I’ve marked?
• What truth here encourages, challenges, or confronts me?

Take a moment to write a short response in your journal. It doesn’t need to be polished—just honest.

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Step 4: Pray in response

Now turn your reflection into a personal prayer. You can write it or speak it aloud. Use this as a guide:

• Thank God for what He’s shown you
• Confess anything He’s brought to light
• Ask for help to respond with faith or obedience
• Intercede for someone the passage brought to mind

This is your moment to be real with God.

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Step 5: Rest in God’s presence

Close your Bible and spend two or three minutes in silence. Don’t try to think or pray. Just be present with God.

Let His Word settle in you.

Ask quietly: How is God calling me to live differently in light of this?

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Step 6: Respond

You might want to finish by writing down:

• A key phrase or verse that stayed with you
• One thing you feel led to do or believe today
• A short prayer of commitment

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We invite you to sit at the Master’s feet—away from the busyness—and listen for what He has to say. Take time to drink deeply of the blessings that come from being in His presence.