A couple years ago, my dad was having a weekly Bible study with Justin* who dislikes reading books and had the impression that quiet time required lots of reading. Dad sympathized because he is not a lover of reading and writing either. He prayed for a simple, practical way that Justin could study the Bible and have quiet time. He came up with three steps: Read, Rewrite, Respond.
1. Read a verse.**
2. Rewrite the verse as if God is speaking personally to you (because He is).
3. Respond to what God is saying.
As an example, here is one I did earlier this month:
1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:19-20
For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
2. Rewrite
Abby, I am never indecisive or hesitant. I do everything I say. I said “yes” to you, to our relationship, and I’ll never change my mind.
3. Respond
Jesus, You chose me and made me Yours. Now I share Your undaunted Spirit; help me act like it. I want to trust You instead of worrying.
You do not have to write as much as I did or you can write more. You do not have to use the whole verse or verses but you can if you want. What I like about this 1-2-3 method is that it is easy to remember and adjusts to fit each person.
*Of course that isn’t his real name.
**If you do not know where to start, try the verse that follows the last one you read or one that was mentioned in the last sermon or Bible study you attended. If neither of those suggestions work for you, start with 1 John.
Howe Abby... 