Do have trouble hearing God speak to you through the scriptures? Have you ever read the Bible and the words feel distant- like they were meant for another person in another time?

Hear this Good News-

• You’re not alone. Many struggle with this.
• You’re not slow. It takes time and practice.
• You’re not getting the silent treatment from God for whatever reason you’ve invented. God is already reaching out to you. God already knows you, loves you, and yearns for a relationship with you. God wants to speak to you and with you through the scriptures.

On to the tips!

1. Use a modern translation
The King James Version is beloved and beautiful, but its like reading Shakespeare. It’s a challenge. Try using a modern translation like the New International Version (NIV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), or my new modern favorite, The Voice.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you
This may seem obvious, but its a gift often left unopened. God wants to be heard and is ready to help.

3. Eliminate distractions
Find a quiet place. Read the passage slowly, prayerfully, out loud, three times.

4. Insert your name into a scripture
Many passages are well suited for this. You simply replace some nouns with a blank for inserting a name.

Let’s try it with John 3:16-17. Read the passage. Now read it again inserting your name into the blanks. How did the experience change?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. – John 3:16-17, NRSV

For God so loved __________ that he gave his only Son, so that __________ who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn __________, but in order that __________ might be saved through him. – John 3:16-17, NRSV

Now let’s try inserting your name into a longer passage, Psalm 23, NKJV.

Psalm 23
The Lord is __________ shepherd
_________ shall not want
He makes __________ to lie down in green pastures
He leads __________ beside the still waters
He restores __________ soul
He leads __________ in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake

Yea, though __________ walks through the valley of the shadow of death,
__________will fear no evil
For You are with __________
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort __________

You prepare a table before __________ in the presence of __________ enemies
You anoint __________ head with oil
__________ cup runs over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow __________
All the days of __________ life
And __________ will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever

BONUS- You can also insert the names of other persons as a way of blessing them, encouraging them, or praying for them.

What other scriptures would be great for inserting a name?
What other tips do you have for hearing God speak to you?

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Four Tips for Hearing God Speak to You Through the Scriptures
© 2019 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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