God Inspired Her

The Bible is one of the most difficult books to read. Yeah, I said it. And I know you have said it, too. Reading the Bible can be overwhelming. You open your Bible and within five minutes you are either confused, bored, or scrolling on your phone. Been there many times. Right with you!

Between unfamiliar names and words you don’t understand; it’s easy to just put the Bible back on the shelf.

You want to grow your faith, but every time you sit down to study, your mind starts to wander or you just can’t absorb the text. But here is the thing: it’s not that you don’t want to read the Bible-it’s just that sometimes the way we try to study doesn’t work for us. There is no right or wrong way to read Scripture. What works for one might not work for you. And that is okay.

There are countless approaches that can help you with connecting to the Bible. Ways that can fit your schedule, your personality, and the way you learn the best. You might be a visual learner who loves journaling. Perhaps you listen better and enjoy listening to Bible studies on Youtube. Or you might just need a different method of studying the Bible.

I am breaking down one sure fire method to read and study the Bible that might make sense to you. Because growing in your faith should not be a chore- it should feel like an invitation.

P.R.A.I.S.E. Bible Study Method

The P.R.A.I.S.E. Bible Study Method is a popular and effective acronym that guides you through scripture. It moves beyond passive reading. It encourages active observation, reflection, and life-changing action. This ensures your study time is fruitful and transformative.

Let’s breakdown the steps of this extraordinary method to deepen your walk with God.

Pray: Setting The Spiritual Foundation

Begin with a prayer. There is no right or wrong way to pray. Ask for guidance and clarity from God. This will help you understand what He needs for you to understand. Pray for you to understand his Word. Silence all distractions. Pray for focus. Ask God to quiet the anxieties, to-do lists, and internal noise that might prevent you from hearing His voice through the Scripture.

Read: Attentive Intake of the Word

The next step is to Read the selected passage—and not just once! This is the observation stage where you simply focus on what the text actually says. Avoid jumping into interpretation yet; your goal is purely to observe. Soak in every word. Meditate on it.

Reading the passage in two different reputable translations one word-for-word like ESV/NASB and one thought-for-thought like NIV/NLT) can offer helpful nuances in meaning, but don’t overdo it. I personally love to go between the Message Bible and NIV.

Never read a single verse in isolation. Always note what comes before and after the passage you are studying. Understanding the chapter and the book’s overall message is essential for accurate interpretation. I have been in church sometimes and the preacher will preach on half a verse. That’s why I always say pick up the Bible and read it for yourself.

A: Analyze – Asking the Investigative Questions

Get out your detective hat and microscope. Now we move from observation to Analysis. This is the detective work of Bible study. You are breaking the passage down to understand its original message and setting. The who, what, why, where, and how of the passage. Reminds me of English class in the third grade.

• Who: Who wrote this? Who was the original audience? Who are the main characters?
• What: What is the main action or theme? What words or phrases are repeated? When something is repeated in the Bible, it is important. What commands, promises, or warnings are present? Have your highlighter nearby!
• Where/When: Where did this take place? When was it written? What historical or cultural situation is relevant?
• Why: Why did the author include this particular event or teaching? What is the stated purpose?
• How: How is the author making their point (e.g., through a story, a poem, a command, or a letter)?

Use Google for good my friends!

I: Interpret – Unlocking the Meaning

After thorough analysis, you are ready to Interpret. This step is about determining the author’s original intended meaning. What did this text mean to the people who first read it?

The Goal of Interpretation

The cardinal rule of interpretation is: The Bible means what it means, and it can’t mean what it never meant. Your personal feelings are important, but they must be anchored to the original, objective meaning of the text. How many people do you know that twist scripture to adhere to their circumstances and/or feelings. Even when they are sinning, they will try to manipulate the sacred words of our Holy Father to justify their wicked ways? It cannot mean what it is never meant.

How to Implement Interpretation

• Determine the Main Idea: In one or two sentences, write down the big idea of the passage based on your analysis. What is the author trying to communicate?

• Look for Theological Principles: What does this passage teach you about the nature of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? What does it teach you about humanity (sin, need, redemption)?

Contextual Harmony: Does your interpretation align with the rest of the Bible? For example, if your interpretation of a verse in Leviticus seems to contradict the teachings of Jesus, you need to go back and re-read, remembering that the New Testament helps interpret the Old.

S: Summarize – Personalizing and Internalizing

This stage is the bridge between ancient text and your modern life. Summarize your interpretation in a way that is personal and memorable.

The Value of Summarization

Condensing the core message into your own words forces you to truly grasp and internalize the meaning. It moves the truth from a historical concept to a living reality.

How to Implement S (Summarize)

This stage is the bridge between the scriptures and your life. Summarize your interpretation in a way that is personal and memorable.

The Value of Summarization

Condensing the core message into your own words forces you to truly grasp and internalize the meaning. It moves the truth from a historical concept to a living reality.

• Write Your Takeaway: Write a short paragraph—perhaps even a single sentence—that summarizes the main truth God has revealed to you through this study. Start with phrases like:
  • “The main lesson I’m learning is…”
  • “This passage shows me that God is…”
  • “Because of this truth, my challenge is…”
• Choose a Key Verse: Select the one verse from the passage that most powerfully encapsulates the lesson. Write it down, memorize it, and carry it with you throughout your day.
• Reinforce Understanding: If you can’t summarize the passage clearly, it’s a sign that you need to go back to Read and Analyze until the main idea clicks.

E: Engage – Living out the Truth

The final and most vital step is to Engage the truth you’ve uncovered. Bible study is not complete until it results in changed living. This is where the application becomes concrete.

Moving from Head Knowledge to Heart Change

If the truths of Scripture remain only in your head, the study time was incomplete. The goal of God’s Word is always transformation and to take the scriptures every where you go. Put action behind God’s good word in your every day life. This step is where you decide what you will do because of what you have learned.

How to Implement E (Engage)

• Specific Application: Don’t settle for vague intentions. Ask specific, action-oriented questions:
  • What specific action will I take today to obey the command I found?
  • What lie will I replace with the truth I learned about God’s character?
  • Who can I share this new insight with to encourage them?
• Set a Goal: Write down one or two concrete steps. Instead of “I will be more patient,” try “I will take a deep breath and pray before responding to my child’s third interruption today.”
• Close with Prayer: Return to prayer to ask God for the strength and the Holy Spirit’s power to carry out your specific engagement plan. Thank Him for the truth and commit your steps to Him.

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A Lifelong Journey of Praise

The PRAISE method is more than just a technique; it’s a pathway to a richer, more interactive relationship with God through His Word. By moving intentionally from Praying to Reading, Analyzing, Interpreting, Summarizing, and finally Engaging, you ensure that your time in the Bible is fruitful, meaningful, and transformative.

Make a commitment today to try the PRAISE method with your next passage of Scripture. You might be amazed at the depth of insight and the clarity of application that emerges.

Janice