Although it can seem daunting, studying Scripture is a really easy and simple thing to do. The first thing studying Scripture requires is a healthy reminder that we don't come to the Bible to gain something, but to spend time with God. However, there is always some wisdom we can glean from God's Word because the Spirit has empowered the Word of God to be living and active. This is why we study Scripture.
By study, I don't even really mean it in the homework/study for a test sense of the word. It might be better to say we are coming to Scripture with the intention of practicing hearing from Jesus. It is a practice, not a performance. It is desiring to hear from God, not trying to earn from God.
With that caveat, the following will hopefully be a helpful rhythm for you to use whenever you spend time in God's Word. All it requires is some time alone with Scripture and some basic questions to ask the text after you've read the passage. These are questions that do not have a right or wrong answer. The questions are here to help us engage with God's Word, listen for God's voice in Scripture, and see how God intends for us to live and love.
Studying Scripture is not about finding the right answer, rather it is about spending time with the right person - Christ. Reading Scripture is not about marking off tallies for God but about marking out time with God.
One last thing to say before I get to the practical application. If you spend time in Scripture and feel like you're not 'getting anything out of it don't be discouraged. Spending time in God's Word is like faithfully feeding your soul. Like real food, we don't often remember many meals we've eaten over the years but we've been nourished by them all and have gotten to this point because of them. God is always present in our reading of Scripture, yet there will inevitably be some moments spent in God's Word that will feel more beneficial than others, but any time spent in Scripture is time well spent with the Father.
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So how do we spend intentional time in Scripture?
Have a reading plan.
The Bible App has a ton of options for this. There are also Bibles organized to help facilitate a one-year reading plan. Ultimately, the plan that leads you into God's Word consistently is the best plan for you.
Short Prayer
Before you begin, say a short prayer for God to meet you in His Word and reveal something to your heart.
Read Passage
While you read pay attention to what you're feeling, wondering, and thinking.
After you've read through the passage thoughtfully ask yourself these questions. These questions are simply here to help us navigate Scripture. As God's Word is the primary way Jesus speaks to us today I want us to be intentional when we come to God's Word. We come expecting God to speak and thus we must come ready to hear.
Questions to ask:
What do I learn about God?
What do I learn about people?
What does God want me to do or desire?
Where is the grace?
Close by thanking God for meeting you in His Word.
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Have some more time?
If you have some more extended time to spend in God's Word I would recommend trying out the practice called Lectio Divina. Below is an excerpt from AJ Sherrill's book "Being with God."
Through lectio divina, we invite the Holy Spirit into the reading as we move in four distinct directions: read, meditate, pray, contemplate. Since these terms may not be familiar to you, I've replaced them with read, reflect, write, and rest...
Create an inviting space (light a candle, tidy a room, sit in your favorite chair, etc.)
Select a passage from Scripture (preferably from a reading plan you're using)
Have a pen/paper handy
4 Directions (5 minutes each)
Read - Slowly read the passage three times.
Reflect - Select a word or phrase that stands out to you.
Write - Spend time writing about that selected word or phrase.
Rest - Suspend all thought and sit quietly with God. Trust that God knows your worry, anxiety, and longings and is acting on your behalf. (Rom 8:28).
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Want to dig in deeper?
If you want to dive even deeper take some time looking into the context of the passage you just read. This is where Study Bibles come in handy. They are jammed full of helpful resources and study notes to reference as you have questions.
When was it written?
Who wrote it?
Who was it written to?
What might the original audience have thought of this passage?
Ask a friend what they think a particular verse means
Ask your pastor or elder or deacon what they think a passage points to