16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The 40 days of the season of Lent is the time in which we intentionally look at our spiritual disciplines and make adjustments to our lives so that we grow closer to God. Reading and mediating on scripture might just be the most important of those things.

The bible as we know it only came to be in the 5th century. It combines the history and teachings of our Jewish ancestors with the history and teachings of Jesus, his disciples, and those who were taught directly by them. It tells the story of God’s people, and the story of the relationship between God and God’s people. It tells us about who God is and what God expects of us. It tells us about God’s mighty acts of salvation and how we can participate in them.

Throughout the season of Lent we are specifically called to read and meditate on God’s word. We are called to read the scriptures prayerfully and stop for a minute to hear what God is saying to us. only do we learn a huge part of God’s story, but we learn the mistakes those who have gone before us have made. We learn the consequences of turning away from God as we hear about the Israelites. We learn not to make false idols and the importance of putting God first. We learn that when we face times of trial, God will give us strength. We hear God’s promises and see that God is faithful and fulfills those promises. And in reading the scriptures, we learn what God’s voice sounds like, so that we can hear God in our own lives each day.

The struggle for many of us is that scripture can be hard to read. It’s not always cut and dry like a children’s story book, even though many of the stories were told to children time and time again! Often, the bible reads more like the textbook of that school subject you despised. There are whole chapters that are filled with nothing but names!

Sometimes it feels like we’re reading a language that’s not English… because we are! The bibles we have in our pews are a translation of a number of different documents in a number of languages which can make it hard to read. That’s one of the reasons it is so important to read it together, to read it slowly, to read it carefully, and to find a version that works for you. I like the NRSV because I find it to be the most accurate to the original documents. That’s what I use for personal study and what I use for preaching. But when working with the youth group, I use the NLT or the CEB because they are MUCH easier to read. In fact, the NLT is where my faith journey began and it’s what I use for daily reading!

There is a practice of reading scripture called lectio divina, which is Latin for “divine reading.” It’s a practice of reading scripture intentionally and is honestly my preferred way of reading. You read the scripture, sit and think on it for a moment, taking notes of what stood out. Then you read it again, sit and think on it for a moment, taking notes of what stood out. Then you read it again! This time instead of taking notes afterward, you pray, asking God to show you what it is you are supposed to hear. Then you take notes on what is still standing out. You sit and think on all those things, then go and act!

Reading scripture is not something that comes naturally to everyone. It takes practice and it takes time, especially when it is new to you. So, this week, pick up your bible at least once. Spend some time just reading and reflecting on God’s word. You will be amazed at what you hear!

Comment your thoughts below! I’m always happy to hear from you!

Blessings friends,
Pastor Nicole