Preparing to Hear from God: Simple Practices to Focus Your Heart and Mind in Bible Study

Preparing to Hear from God: Simple Practices to Focus Your Heart and Mind in Bible Study

(This Bible Study Tips was written by one of our incarcerated students, sharing their faith and study of God’s Word.)

It very often happens when I sit down to read and study the Bible, that my mind is still filled with recent conversations I’ve had with people or with recent events and happening in my life. I’ve found a few helpful practices to empty my mind of other thoughts and be able to really focus on the reading and meditate on the Word.

1. Pray

One is to bow my head and close my eyes for at least two minutes and pray. Pray for God’s Holy Spirit that is living in me to give me a clear mind to receive His word right now. Also confess any sin that needs to be confessed, plead the blood of Jesus, and ask Him to help me do better.

2. Sing

It also helps to sing a psalm, hymn, or spiritual song, praying with a melody in my heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

3. Reflect

Then as I’m reading I like to take a moment from time to time, as the Spirit leads, to pause and reflect on what I’ve just read. During this time it also sometimes helps to jot down notes on what I’m reading.

4. Study

Reading Bible commentary from a trustworthy Bible scholar can be a very valuable study tool also. If you are in prison, and have limited resources one thing you can do is write to Mt. Nebo and request a free Mac Arthur Study Bible. This study Bible contains a lot of helpful commentary.

5. Share/Listen

And finally – lost but not least – sharing with fellow believers what I have been receiving from God’s word, and listening to what they have been receiving from God’s word. This fellowship helps us to apply biblical principles in our own lives and in our community.

Of course listening to sound Bible preaching and teaching is an important part of this. Some of my favorites are Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, Tony Evans, Robert Jeffress, James Meritt, Michael Youseff, and David Stotts.

Grace and peace to you as you apply new insights on studying the Word and applying biblical principles.

-Caleb C.