From Head to Heart: A Different Way of Reading the Bible
A Simple Way to Engage in Contemplative Reading
(This is a follow up to my last post about reading the Bible which was an encouragement to not give up on reading Scripture when it feels dry or predictable. Instead, we can learn and add different reading styles. Neglecting the Bible completely is a slow and costly starvation of our inner person.)
Up until about ten years ago, I’d read the Bible with one goal: learn. Learn about God, His love, the stories of Jesus, what God wanted from me, how to love better…all these (good) things.
But in the last several years, through books, mentors, and lifegiving community, I’ve been introduced to different ways of reading that have deeply enriched my experience of God through the Scriptures, not only learning about Him.
I’d love to share one that has been meaningful to me that I believe can help you, too.
There are basically two styles of reading the Bible (yes, I’m overgeneralizing, but let’s go with it for now, okay?):
Informational reading is oriented toward engaging the head (mind).
Contemplative reading is oriented toward engaging the heart (inner experience).
Both are important! If we lean on only one and neglect the other, we’re at risk of either intellectualism (relating to God primarily through our brain and thinking), or a warm enthusiasm that is ungrounded (lacks a solid biblical foundation).
Informational Reading
Like me, you’re probably most familiar with informational reading. That’s the approach (that is sometimes feel school-like) where you’re reading to learn. It engages our minds and expands our knowledge of God and the Christian life. We look to see big picture in Scripture, learn theology, identify patterns, principles, and “life lessons,” or find encouragement through God’s promises (and so on).
Examples of Informational Scripture Reading:
Bible reading plans (one-year, historical, chronological, etc.)
Book Studies (diving deeply into one book of the Bible)
Topical or Word Studies (such as “The Names of God,” or “What does the Bible say about leadership?”)
Character Studies (focusing on one person or group of people, such as the disciples)
All of these are very helpful and build a solid biblical foundation that is grounded upon Scripture.
Reading the Bible to learn is critically important and should always be part of our journey as followers of Jesus. If you’re newer in your faith, I recommend that you focus on this style of reading to help you grow more familiar with the ways and character of God.
The Scriptures are “a lamp for [our] feet and a light on [our] path,” according to Psalm 119:105 (NIV). The Lord has used this style of reading His Word to steady and guide me over the years, especially in my most difficult seasons. The Holy Spirit does speak to us through reading and studying the Word of God in this way.
Contemplative Reading
Contemplative reading, by comparison, is slow and quiet. You read and repeat much shorter passages of Scripture while focusing on being with God. It’s more meditative in nature.
It’s less about figuring out what you’re “supposed to learn” and more about noticing the movements of your heart and God’s heart, encountering Him, through the Scripture.
In slower, lingering, prayerful reading, we give room to notice and express our real responses, desires, or struggles to God, as we engage with the Scripture.
Here’s an example of a simple way to read contemplatively:
Find a quiet spot, get still, and breathe deeply until you feel settled.
Choose a few verses of Scripture to read. (Two or three verses from a Psalm are a good place to start.)
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you notice your internal response to the Scripture as you read it through a few times slowly, pausing in silence for a minute or two between readings to simply be with what you’ve read (without editing).
Tell God what you noticed about your response and how it felt, imagining you’re curiously and compassionately holding your heart together.
For example:
Reading Psalm 23:1-2 (NIV) – “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,” the words “lie down” might stand out.
As I read again and pay attention to the words “lie down,” I realize that I’m craving rest but life feels too fast-paced to slow down.
Instead of looking for a lesson or trying to “fix it” as I read a third time, I imagine that God is with me and we’re holding it together. Now, I notice God’s gentle response and His care for my tiredness.
I pray, telling the Lord that I want to rest in Him, but life feels demanding and I’m not sure how, and that it feels comforting to imagine Him inviting me to “lie down.”
I ask Him to help me to notice the small ways He may invite me to rest as I go about my day or week.
Reading informationally, I’d understand that the Lord is a good Shepherd who cares and guides me to rest. Reading contemplatively, I’m more able to experience His heart that is inviting me into rest today.
We’re often anxious to find answers that make us feel better or help us know what to do. (That’s totally human!) But Jesus’ name, Emmanuel, means God with us. And He is, through the Holy Spirit.
Contemplative reading, and praying with the Scripture, helps us slow down and notice God’s heart and our deep longings, today. (I’ve shared just one idea for reading contemplatively, but there are many more you can explore.)
Over time, we become more open and honest with God in prayer, leading to a deeper inner knowing of His presence. Right in the middle of our everyday lives.
A Question to Consider:
When you imagine reading portions of Scripture in this way, what stirs in you? When could you take 10-15 minutes to read a short passage contemplatively, such as Psalm 23:1-4?
I am still learning how to grow stronger in my faith and this passage has helped me. Thank you