For individuals who have yet to start a bible reading routine, spending time with the scriptures may seem daunting or intimidating. It’s common to feel at a loss as to how to start. For us moms, creating a bible reading routine, and sticking to it can be intimidating too, and challenging especially since everyone at home relies on us for almost everything.
So, granting that you have already set aside a time for this, how then would you start? Of course it is best to have a bible that will not be too hard to read and understand. If the bible is too small then our eyes could strain reading and highlighting the Written Word. It is best to get at least an NIV or ESV edition bible that is easier to understand compared to the King James Version which contains old English phrases such as thou, hath, beseech etc.
Start reading the bible
You do not need to buy a very expensive bible if you do not have the means yet. You can check out second hand bookstores though like Booksale which sells bibles that are slightly used and have bigger fonts. Other stores where you can buy bibles apart from bookstores are religious stores like St. Paul’s and OMF Lit. Most of these stores have branches in major malls. While you are in the Catholic or Christian bookstore, choose a devotional or ask about a bible reading guide to help you with your new quest 🙂
It is also best to have a small journal and a highlighter and of course a pen and a couple of bookmarks to use.
How to begin your bible reading journey
My favorite preacher says you should give yourself the grace to read the easier parts of the bible first before delving deeper into the techy-ish contents of the scripture. If you are new to the habit, he said you can be like a child eating fish — starting with the fleshy parts first like the four gospels (books of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John) before going to the other books that are a bit harder to digest.
If you have been listening to your priest or your pastor then for sure you can pick up a book that you like and read a chapter or two each day. When I was really, really new at seriously reading the bible, I find myself dedicating a lot of time reading the Epistles of St. Paul (example: Colossians, Thessalonians etc.), and then in the Old Testament I found myself delighting over the Book of Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
Do you start from page 1?
Our parish priest does not advise first timers to read the bible from page one until the end. He says using a devotional could be helpful since it provides an inspirational story and a bible passage that could help you start reading the bible. The Catholic Church also has a liturgical guide on the mass readings for the day, you as a new reader can use this as a guide on what to read during your daily bible time. I’ve written about this in a past post here.
Christian bookstores on the other hand offer free pamphlets that provide a bible reading schedule for a whole year. Take advantage of this and use it as a guide. There are also bible reading plans like this that are available online or downloadable as an app. But being the old school person that I am, I choose hardcopy stuff any day 🙂
What to do before and after reading the bible
It is best to have your prayer time or quiet time before reading the bible. It does not only prepare you for reading the scripture, it could also help you discern answers to the questions, prayers and concerns you have lifted up to the Lord.
While reading the bible, try to highlight verses that stand out to you. Copy it in your journal if you like. If you have questions about the reading you can jot it down in your journal too and find answers either from your parish priest, pastor, or bible study group leader the next time you get to see them. You may also write down your gratitude points and prayer requests in your journal.
So to sum up, here is a brief guide:
1. Choose a bible with a font size that you can easily read, and a translation you can easily understand.
2. Have other materials that could help you in your journey: A devotional book, a liturgical guide or bible reading pamphlet (free in Christian Bookstores like OMF Lit).
3. Prepare other tools you will need like a pen, a highlighter, and a notebook dedicated for your bible time.
4. Designate a quiet and mess-free bible reading space in your home: Your study table, dining table, coffee table, garden, or wherever you are not going to be distracted and be comfortable at the same time.5. Choose how you will daily approach bible reading: Per book that interests you, per devotional message and suggested reading, or by following a scripture or bible reading guide. What is important is you stick with this and grow in delighting the word.
6. Note passages that stand out to you — you may want to copy them in your notebook, or memorize them or put them on a post it and paste it anywhere visible in your home.7. Jot down questions you may have and ask your priest, pastor or bible study leader for the answers the next time you get to see them.
8. Before starting your bible reading time, it is best to start with a quiet time or prayer with God. Seek His guidance as you try to understand His words.
9. More importantly, live a life consistent to what you have read 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and till next post! Leaving you with this bible passage that highlights the joys of regularly reading the Lord’s words:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness'”
2 Timothy 3:16
A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!
https://happypinaymommy.com/2023/07/17/healthy-budget-ulam-recipe-ideas-for-the-week/