I am a pastor’s wife and I have watched my husband study the Bible for over 32 years in his morning quiet time. He gets up very early and studies for several hours each day. He has his own system for study which includes reading, taking notes, research in commentaries, consulting the original texts in Greek and Hebrew. He studied both languages in Seminary early in our marriage and practices each day to keep those language skills sharp. He inspires me and our children! He has also been available for questions I have had or passages I needed clarity on. He is a wonderful spiritual leader in our home and I greatly appreciate that.

I did not attend Seminary and I don’t know the original languages. I am speculating that many of you have not either. For many years I did not have hours a day to study. I was doing well to read for 15 minutes some days with little children in our home. I would leave a Bible open on the table next to where I nursed my babies so I could grab it while they ate. I left a Bible open on the dining room table so I could glance at passages as I quickly ate lunch or sat for a few seconds while working on meal prep. There has always been a Bible and/or spiritual reading on my nightstand to read first thing in the morning or at bedtime. I even had a small devotional book I kept in a cabinet in the bathroom to read for a few minutes while I was “hiding.” LOL I just needed to make it available so I would take the time to read.

Now that my children are grown I have time to sit with my Bible in my lap for longer periods of time in the morning. I have time to write passages of scripture, memorize a verse or passage, take extensive notes, write out prayers and thankful lists, and read in some commentaries I have available. I also have a theologically sound Christian book going most of the time, too. I am pretty picky about those books because there are so many “Christian books” out there that are not doctrinally sound and sound doctrine is important no matter where you are in your walk with Christ. Doctrine is defined as principles and beliefs. We, as Christians, MUST know what we believe or our faith is useless. This does not mean we make our faith legalistic. It does mean that we truly seek to know what the Bible teaches and how to live as a Christian in this world.

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ and whatever life season you are in you need to find ways to read and study God’s word every day. My daily routine will look very different from a 20 something new mama or a 30 or 40 something mama of preteens and teens that have crazy schedules. My season of life is much more chill than it used to be and I have a great deal more time to study than I used to. Find what works for you but READ GOD’S WORD EVERY DAY!

Tools for Adding God’s Word to Your Days

This is my stack of tools I use each day.

1. A Solid Translation of the Bible – I steer clear of texts that are interpretations of scripture by a sole source (ie. The Message or The old Good News text) These are more like the person’s personal understanding and are not truly scripture as translated from original texts. Some solid translations would include the New American Standard (NASB), The Christian Standard (CSB), The English Standard Version (ESV), The Holman Christian Standard (HCSB), The New International Version (NIV), and a New King James (NKJV). These are my favorites. They are translated by a team of translators from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. The purple Bible above is my “purse copy” that I take with me when I leave my home and it is a CSB. Keep a Bible with you whenever you can.
2. A Psalter – the brown spine floral book above is a Psalter which is the book of Psalms. This particular copy is from Crossway and is an ESV text. It is a journaling text so there are pages between each Psalm to write thoughts and study notes as I go through it. I read from the Psalms every day and often the whole book in 30 days. It is easy to read this book every month of the year. It is also to read the book of Proverbs every month of the year. I challenge you to do that more often.
3. A Notebook – I use my notebook to write out prayers, notes on texts, work through questions and general study of specific passages as I read. I go through notebooks quickly so I don’t spend a lot of money on them. This particular one is from Walmart and I spent a little over a dollar for it. I buy them in bulk when I find a good deal. Writing as I read a passage has helped me solidify what I am learning as I go much better than just reading alone. I highly recommend it.
4. A Study Method is quite helpful – You can use whatever study method you like but here I have listed two favorites. The first one is The SOAP Method. This is a good method to help you work through a chapter or a small passage for the day. I won’t delve into a deep explanation of either because there are some great bloggers who have done this already. You can click the text to find a good printable and explanation for each one. The second one I recommend is The Apple Study Method. It took me some digging to find this one. I often feel like most methods leave out things I am wanting to note but this one covers a great variety of things for me. I tend to want to note Attributes of God, Promises, Principles, etc…. as I read and this one prompts me well. None of these are perfect but they can sure guide you in your study. The ultimate goal of study is to know God more deeply and to hear and obey what He is instructing you to do in your life. Again, find what helps you to do this the best and be consistent in your reading each day.
5. A Reading Plan – I have used many different reading plans over the years to read a different version of a Bible-in-a-year. I am currently using the McCheyne plan. I have used Bible-in-a-Year Bibles and plans that take you through OT and NT readings together each day. I have used the Bible in 4 months and wound up taking 6 months to do that. LOL I actually read the Bible through twice doing that, though, so it worked out beautifully. I have used the Chronological Plan and am using that again in 2022.
6. A Prayer Plan – There are many different prayer plan methods out there. The link is a list of some you might consider. Prayer is not magical and a method doesn’t do anything but give you some structure. The important thing is that we talk with God each day and bring everything to Him. He wants that relationship with us and prayer is part of that relationship so make time each day to pray specifically and keep that dialogue going. Writing out my prayers has been of great benefit over the years. Keeping a prayer list and looking back to see those answers is a great way to be encouraged to pray more.
7. Keep a Running Thanksgiving List – I highly recommend keeping a thanksgiving list year round. You can grab a small notebook and write down something you are thankful for each day… or three things… or five things. You choose what you want to track. I have been doing this again for the month of November. I am writing thanksgiving scripture each day and at the end of each passage I am writing three things I am thankful for each day. It sure brings perspective to your days. There is a lot to be thankful for and as God’s people we should be a deeply thankful people.
8. Praise music and scripture songs can benefit your time, too – this is self explanatory. I keep a playlist of favorite hymns and praise songs to enhance my morning disciplines. It is also so much easier to memorize scripture if you can sing it. Worship music feeds the soul.
9. Reading time is scarce? Then listen to the Word throughout the day – this is not my favorite method of input alone but it is certainly a valid method. I will, however, read and listen at the same time. If you use an app that can read to you then use it when you cannot sit and read or if you need something that feeds you as you move through your day. I have also purchased an Audio Bible to play in the car or as I walk or work in the kitchen. Bible input is never wasted.
10. Read as a Daily Family Practice (together) – This is a very beneficial practice that teaches your children that the Word of God is important. It is also great to read together as a couple over breakfast or at bedtime. Reading together can add focus and transition structure to your days. The family will come to expect God’s word at breakfast or right before bed or naptime. Believe me, they will remind you if you forget once it is an established practice in your home. My kids loved to be read to.

Do you have ways you incorporate more scripture, prayer, reading, and worship time into your days? Please share what helps you in the comments below. I hope that something here encourages you or is helpful in some way.

Until next time…

Stay in the Word!

~Leann