How to Start Reading Scripture?

[Chesapeake]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

 

[rlee_cook]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

i read the daily reading rrom the missal

 

[rlee_cook]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

i read the daily readings from the missal

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

I strongly suggest you start at the Gospel of Matthew and read 1 or 2 chapters per day (maybe before you go to bed) until you are done. That is the best and most satisfying way because you dont miss anything, you hear all of what Jesus said, and you can look back and be proud of your accomplishment.

You might run into passages that sound wrong, interesting or whatever, just post your questions in these forums and I guarantee someone has had similar questions.

 

[runandsew]

You might start by reading the posts in this thread.

If I were to start reading the Bible, where would I start!!?

If you read 4 chapters a day you could read through the 14 chronological books of the bible in 90 days.
These 14 chronological books will take you through the salvation history story line of the bible.

Genesis
Exodus
Numbers
Joshua
Judges
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
Ezra
Nehemiah
1 Maccabees
Luke
Acts

I would also recommend just starting through the Gospels.
Mark is the shortest, while John has the deepest theological meaning.

 

[Epistemes]

Just about everyone will have a different reading plan for you. While I also have a suggestion for you, I would let the Spirit guide you in your reading. This is how I read Scripture. One week I may feel like reading a section from Paul’s epistle to the Romans, the next week I may feel like reading something from the Gospel of Mark. By making it more spontaneous and less regimental, you’ll be able to reflect on what’s being said more and more.

Regardless, if you hate that idea, then here’s a plan:

Start with Luke’s Gospel, which I find to be a perfect segway between Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus and John’s portrayal.

Next read Mark’s Gospel for all of the gaps.

Then read Matthew and John.

After the Gospels, read Acts of the Apostles.

From there, the Bible is, more or less, your oyster. A reading of the Torah (First Five Books of the Old Testament) wouldn’t hurt for understanding what Paul is talking about when he references “The Law.”

Still, though, spontanaeity DOES breed familiarity.

 

[richardeekw]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

Go to www.salvationhistory.com

Start with the Free theaching of the "Overview of the Scriptures through studying the various Covenants in Sacred Scripture.

ALSO
Sit with Mary before the fee of Christ in the BLESSED SACRAMENT

 

[richardeekw]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

The NEW CATHOLIC sTUDY bIBLE (nab) has a systematic study for RCIA with related study Topics

God a google search on the New Catholic Study Bible and the proposed RCIA lessons is included.

 

[mmortal03]

The My Daily Catholic Bible is the solution. No having to follow any separate script, all the work done for you, built right into it. It has actually gotten me to sit down and actually read the thing, because no brain power is involved. It is inexpensive, and it contains what I think is the best modern non-inclusive language translation out there, the RSV:CE. I just got it a week ago. It is the answer.

amazon.com/My-Daily-Catholic-Bible-20-Minute/dp/1592760678

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi!

Yesterday, my confessor suggested that I should make reading the gospels a part of my spiritual life. That makes a lot of sense… but up until now, I havn’t really done that. I do want to now, I just… well, I sort of don’t know how.

Do any of you have any tips or resources on how to prayerfully read the Bible for beginners?

Thanks!

I would take what he said literally, and begin with reading the daily lectionary readings. there are several resources for that, online at the bishop’s website usccb.org, linked also on catholicexchange.com, and most other catholic sites.

most sites that offer a link to the readings also offer a short commentary on the gospel of the day, or at least the Sunday gospel, which is a great no-cost way to begin.

if you want to buy a good devotional Word Among Us can be purchased either with a reference to the readings, and a reflection for each day, or in a slightly more expensive booklet that also contains the readings and the order of the Mass. Magnificat is also an excellent resource, combining both a daily missalette with morning and evening prayer. these are both monthly publications.

a good guide to reading scripture is Mark Shea’s Reading Scripture as the Apostles Did (somebody will soon correct me if I have the title wrong, I am not at home so can’t check it).

If you want a guided bible study IMIO the best place to begin wiithout being overwhelmed, and people are going to jump all over me on this, but the New American Bible is the translation approved by the bishps for liturgy. There are low cost editions for under $10, read the intro to each book, and just read each gospel from beginning to end, beginning with Mark.

If you want more in depth one-volume studies, the best are the Ignatius bible by Scott Hahn. the volumes are inexpensive easy to read, understand and carry around, the notes excellent.and content reliable.

I would not start out loading up on bible reference books and guides right now until you have simply read through one full year in the liturgical cycle, and spent a few moments just thinking about the readings, and praying from any thoughts that arise during this time. this exercise will take about 10-15 minutes a day, unless you are moved to medidate and pray longer, which is great.

you can do this without any cost outlay by going to a website that has the readings.

 

[Fidelis]

A good guide to reading scripture is Mark Shea’s Reading Scripture as the Apostles Did (somebody will soon correct me if I have the title wrong, I am not at home so can’t check it).

It’s called “Making Senses Out of Scripture: Reading Scripture as the Apostles Did.” I also highly endorse this book.

I also recommend the OP visit my website (linked below) for more information about getting started reading the Bible.