Gleanings…

When I was in high school, I convinced my mother to buy me a paperback book on speedreading.  I thought it might help me to read more quickly and with greater comprehension – at least that is what I remember from the cover.  A short time spent reading from the first chapter though, gave me the false (?) impression that I already knew what the author was teaching and did not need to read further.  There have been times since then that I have regretted not finishing the book.

Our most recent Bible/book study used a short book to open our eyes to the need for slow reading.  Taking six weeks to read through, study, and discuss The Lord’s Prayer revealed the richness that can be found in words and literary structures.  When we completed the study, each one of us was amazed at what we learned by spending time with each phrase of the prayer.  I believe it opened our eyes to what we lose when we hurry, especially with very familiar Bible passages and worship liturgies.

Our conference posts a daily email that has as its goal reading the Bible in a year along with all other participants.  One benefit is that you have a daily reminder to read.  So often we are diverted from our intentions by the “crises” of life.  A reminder helps us to return to our tasks, if they can be described as such.  Another benefit is the fellowship that reading the same passages with fellow participants can create.  Sharing your understanding with another reader of the same passage can be a great conversation starter.  One can, however, just see the reading as one more task to complete.

I would like to offer a suggestion.  Break away from the driven approach to reading Scripture.  Instead, buy a Bible with lots of notes on the passages.  Take time when reading to explore what the notes tell you about the background of the particular book and verse.  What was going on in the community where the author lived?  Why did the author write these words to the recipients of his writings?  What do we learn when we compare these words to other writings on the same topic?  Then, look at other translations, richer commentaries, and dictionaries that focus on the words that are only found in Scripture.

One more suggestion: don’t get in a hurry.  Set your books beside a favorite resting place so that you will be tempted to open them.  Read slowly and explore the writings to the best of your resources.  Write down thoughts and questions so that you can pursue them at a later time.  Finally, remain open to what new things Scripture will say to you, be it a challenge or a flash of understanding.  May you find it useful for your life with, and for, others.

Please pray for peace,

Pastor Braxton ><>