This is a commonly used tool to help you study the Bible. Instead of just reading a passage, and fishing for something to speak to you, these steps will help you think about the passage more holistically and in context. Use this is a worksheet to fill out as you go. Eventually, you will no longer need to follow such a strict guide because the steps will come more naturally.
Date Today’s Passage
Pray - Pray…Preview the text “Here I am Lord; come by your Spirit and teach me; I trust that you will speak.”
Read - Read the text you will study 1-3 times…slowly
Observe -What it says—copy down the verse(s) you feel God is speaking to you by either: affirming you, convicting you, and saying something you don’t understand. Also ask— What is it saying about God? What is it saying about me? Who? How? Why?
Interpret the above material by:
1. what did it mean to “them, then”, the original recipients
2. Paraphrasing it
3. Listing comparisons and contrasts
4. List all warnings, advice, and promises
5. note any “if, then” statements
Now stop and spend some time in quiet reflection
4. Apply - What does it mean to “us, now"
a. What truth should I believe?
b. What am I to do…and how will it affect my actions, attitudes, relationship with God or others?
c. How can I do something about this in the next 48 hours?
5. Pray
6. Tell
a. What:
b. To Whom:
c. When: