How to read the Bible

While we can read the Bible like any other book, it may be more beneficial to spend a short time each day, five or 10 minutes, and a longer period at another time of the week.

Jan 21, 2022

Reading Plan
While we can read the Bible like any other book, it may be more beneficial to spend a short time each day, five or 10 minutes, and a longer period at another time of the week.

The main purpose is for each person to gain a deep knowledge and love of Christ, and also, through Christ’s teachings, to gain knowledge and love of the Father and the Holy Spirit. To achieve this goal, it is recommended to read the New Testament for your daily readings (beginning with the Gospels) and, on the weekend, to read the Old Testament. If we consider these times as appointments with God, then we will achieve this purpose easily.

Of course, many other methods can be followed, and it is always possible to read a particular book of the Bible or a specific passage when seeking divine guidance for a specific circumstance. — (The Didache Bible)

The PRIMA Process
Prima is the Latin word for “first”. In the PRIMA process, each letter of the word stands for a step in studying the Bible.

Pray. Begin with a prayer that your time with the Bible will draw you closer to God.

Read attentively, trying to hear the words as if for the first time. Reading the passage aloud, even if you are alone, can help with this.

Imagine being part of the story you just read. What would you feel? How would you react?

Meditate on what you have read. How does the message of the story fit with the rest of the Bible’s teaching? What do you think God is teaching you?

Apply what you have read. God may be guiding you in your life.

You may find encouragement.

Carry God’s Word into the rest of your day! — The Catholic Faith Handbook, Volume3