Journaling is helpful in developing discipline in Bible reading for several reasons: 1) It prompts a healthy approach to biblical interpretation, 2) Helps a person slow down and read thoughtfully, 3) Provides a means of accountability with other believers.
As you read scripture, write down what God is showing you in the following categories:
Scripture
Begin by writing an S, at the top left of your journal. The S stands for Scripture.
- Write out a verse or passage that stands out to you.
Observation
Next, write an O, which stands for Observation. An observation is what you observe the author to be communicating the text. In biblical interpretation, it is imperative we read and receive what is written and that we ask: “What does this say, and what does this mean?”
Every passage in the Bible has meaning and purpose! All Scripture was written by authors under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and each author wrote with intention and purpose in mind. Therefore, it is critical in reading the Bible that we aren’t primarily asking, “What does this mean to me?” or “How does this make me feel?” but rather we are seeking to understand what truth(s) God is revealing to us through the author. Understanding a passage’s meaning must precede making life application.
Here are some helpful questions for making observations of a passage’s meaning:
- What is the author saying?
- What is happening in this story? Who is involved?
- What does this passage teach me about God?
- What does this passage teach me about man and sin?
- How does this passage connect to other passages in the Bible?
- Is there a command to obey?
- Is there an example to follow?
- Is there sin to avoid?
- Is there a promise to claim?
Application
Next, write an A, which stands for Application. An application is how you plan to apply, obey, and respond to what God is saying in the passage. After discovering a passage’s meaning, then we can ask the question, “How should I respond to Jesus in light of what I have discovered?”
The Application portion of the journal is where you write down how you are being convicted to respond to the Lord.
Here are helpful questions below to help guide your application of the text:
- What is your biggest takeaway?
- What do I need to do differently today considering this passage? How must I change?
- What do I need to believe as a result of what God reveals in this text?
- How does this passage lead me to worship God?
- Is there sin I need to confess after reading this passage?
- How does the grace of Jesus help me to become this?
Prayer
Next, write a P, which stands for Prayer. It is important to pray and ask God to give you the power to obey what He is saying in the passage. Spend time praying through what God has shown you. Some of our best times in prayer will flow out of what we have read from the word!
- Talk to God about what He has shown you.
- Pray the scriptures over your life, others, and your prayer list.