Weekly Devotional: Ways To Engage With Scripture

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. — Colossians 3:16, ESV

It can often be tricky to remain disciplined and be in God’s Word every day. While this is the goal for many believers, we often lack the motivation, enthusiasm or tools to do so. Growing up in the church and from pastors today, we are often told to read and study Scripture daily. While I do think this is important and holds truth, we are finite beings. There will inevitably be times when we forget, don’t make time or even choose not to.

Therefore, I believe it can be beneficial to create a new goal of simply engaging with Scripture every day. There are many forms of Scripture engagement that don’t look like the stereotypical picture of sitting down at a desk with your coffee and colored pens following a Bible study for an hour. Again, while this is beneficial and works for some, most believers I’ve encountered still haven’t mastered this. This idea opens the door to new and creative spiritual practices to engage with the Word of God.

In This Article:

• Listening to Scripture
• Praying Scripture
• Scripture Memorization

Listening to Scripture

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. — Proverbs 19:27, NIV

One form of Scripture engagement I have found particularly helpful when I have a busy day is simply listening. If you enjoy podcasts, listening to sermons or listening to music throughout your day, this may be a great option for you. Here are some ways you can listen to Scripture:

• On the go: Rather than putting in your headphones and shuffling your new playlist on the way to class, try listening to Scripture! Listen straight from the Bible app or check out the Dwell app.
• Before bed: Instead of reading or scrolling on your phone before bed, try playing a comforting Psalm as you fall asleep.
• Lectio Divina: If you are wanting to listen to Scripture in a community setting, Lectio Divina is the spiritual practice for that. Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that means “hearing Scripture.” It requires an open, reflective posture that is alert to the voice of God.

Praying Scripture

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. — Psalm 145:18, ESV

Praying God’s Word is a great way to engage with both prayer and Scripture. You can pray Scripture over yourself or others in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Allow God to shape your prayers through his very words. Here is a guideline for praying Scripture:

1. Opening: Start by asking God to direct your time as you approach his Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, guide your prayer and open your heart.

2. Find Scripture: Select a verse or passage to pray through. The Psalms can be great for praying Scripture. Or, if there is a Biblical story that reminds you of your own circumstance, try praying through that.

3. Thanksgiving: Close by thanking God for communing with you and making himself known to us through his written Word.

Scripture Memorization

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. — Deuteronomy 11:18, NIV

Finally, Scripture memorization is another beneficial spiritual practice that allows you to continually remember the words, truths and images God uses to shape us.¹ When we fill our minds with Scripture, we have access to the Word of God at any time and anywhere. Here are some tools for Scripture memorization:

• Songs/rhymes
• Hand motions
• Written repetition
• Pictures/art
• Verses app

When selecting a verse or passage to memorize, I’ve found it helpful to memorize Scripture that relates to my current season. Begin to notice how the Holy Spirit is forming you as you hide the Word in your heart.

If you desire to learn more about Scripture engagement or other spiritual practices, consider adding a Spiritual Formation and Discipleship minor to your degree or attending GCU’s Spiritual Formation workshops. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.