Racing Through the Bible

[Milestone]

I tend to read my Bible similarly to how I would read a novel; I read as much as I can, speedily driving through chapter after chapter, often without pausing to reflect.
I’m afraid I’m not harvesting as much spiritual fruit as I would if I read the Bible one chapter at a time, one for each day. But whenever I read, I’m always wanting to get as far as I can before having to stop, and reading so little makes me feel anxious to move on, as if I haven’t read enough.
What in your opinion is the best way to read and reflect on the Bible?

Also, I’ve just ordered the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament. Do you think that will help me slow down?

 

[Neofight]

I tend to read my Bible similarly to how I would read a novel; I read as much as I can, speedily driving through chapter after chapter, often without pausing to reflect.
I’m afraid I’m not harvesting as much spiritual fruit as I would if I read the Bible one chapter at a time, one for each day. But whenever I read, I’m always wanting to get as far as I can before having to stop, and reading so little makes me feel anxious to move on, as if I haven’t read enough.
What in your opinion is the best way to read and reflect on the Bible?

Also, I’ve just ordered the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament. Do you think that will help me slow down?

There are several ways to read scripture…there is nothing wrong with plowing through it, just to get the story line down.

But, then you want times where you hang on and ponder a single verse or passage…and then pray on it (Lectio Divina).

The daily mass readings are another good way…read them and reflect on one or all of them through out the day.

Peace and all good!

 

[GEddie]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with speed-reading the first time, just to get a sense of it, and then going back.

The Spirit can work in this context just as well.

ICXC NIKA

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Use the Bible as a means of prayer and the knowledge of what it contains will be much deeper than just reading it.

As mentioned before, Lectio Divina is one way, another is to learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

Jim

 

[1Lord1Faith]

I once spent 2 days studying this:

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22
We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.
See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all.
Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.

If your racing through the Bible, your missing, IMO, nearly everything. It could be studied, contemplated and reflected on you, not just read.

 

[po18guy]

But, then you want times where you hang on and ponder a single verse or passage…and then pray on it (Lectio Divina).

This. Jesus taught us one lesson at a time. He departed and allowed his message to sink in. And, there is a message in His method. We are not judged by how rapidly we read the scriptures, but for the love that is within us. The bible is not a novel, but a love letter. We read love letters one paragraph, one sentence, even one word at a time. Love slows us down and provides us with focus.

 

[Barb3]

I have “The One Year Bible” – Catholic Edition. I read it day by day every night before I turn out the light. Each day usually has a reading from the Old Testament – the New Testament – the Epistles --and very often from the Psalms. I figure that by the time my year is up I have read the entire Bible – some of those writings from the Old Testament literally make my hair stand on edge. If you’re interested, I suggest you get the “One Day Bible” – I truly love having it.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I read the Bible in eight months once, by plowing through it. There was a lot I missed. Now, I try to read at least one chapter a day, and am retaining a lot more.