Tips On The Bible

[Lil Red]

[b][u]READING YOUR BIBLE[/u][/b]

[b]Don't begin at the beginning or end.[/b]
Begin with the familiar. For Christians the New Testament is a better place to start than the Old Testament. Perhaps begin with Mark, the shortest Gospel, or the letters of Paul. Do [i]not[/i] start with the Book of Revelation, a complex and symbolic book.

[b]Read sections rather than sentences.[/b]
The Bible will make more sense if you pay attention to sections that are grouped together.

[b]Read aloud.[/b]
Everyone used to do it, especially when the books of the Bible were written. The Bible was meant to be [i]heard[/i] - it originated as an oral tradition. Reading aloud involves you more completely than reading silently.


[b][u]STUDYING YOUR BIBLE[/u][/b]

[b]Read the introductions.[/b]
Most Bibles have introductions added by the editors, and they will prepare you for what comes next. Read the introduction first!

[b]Read the footnotes.[/b]
The Bible often contains material that is very foreign to our world. Customs, terms, symbolic names, etc., often require explanation. The footnotes are there for everyone, not just for scholars.

[b]Use the cross-references.[/b]
Most Bibles place these references to other biblical passages in the footnotes or on the side of the page. Often New Testament passages contain quotations or allusions to Old Testament passages. These cross-references will help you further understand what you are studying. This takes some time, but your reward will be a richer understanding of the text.

[b]Be flexible in your interpretations.[/b]
You don't need to be afraid of misinterpreting the Bible if you remember that your interpretation is not necessarily [i]the[/i] interpretation. This is especially good in a group setting: Sharing ideas about Bible passages is a wonderful way of studying the Bible, especially when you remain open to further guidance about your views. The ideal group would have a leader with some professional experience, or who has taken time to carefully learn and prepare a historical or scientific perspective.


[b][u]PRAYING YOUR BIBLE OUTSIDE OF MASS[/u][/b]

[b]Invoke the Holy Spirit.[/b]
Every time you sit down to pray with the Bible I suggest you begin with a brief prayer to call upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Something as simple as "Come, Holy Spirit, be my guide as I try to understand this word" reminds us that we need to surrender to God in order to understand the Word properly.

[b]Choose a passage to reflect on.[/b]
Working through the whole book of the Bible prayerfully is more effective than random interpretations. Another way of doing this is to pray along with the lectionary selections for the upcoming Sunday Mass. That can help you prepare to hear the Word more fruitfully when it is proclaimed and preached upon the following Sunday. In three years' time, you'll have prayed along with most of the Bible!

[b]Read the passage once through fully.[/b]
Getting the big picture first helps you understand each section or passage better.

[b]Read each section of the passage slowly.[/b]
Slow, meditative reading is an ancient Christian practice known as [i]lectio divina[/i]. Sitting with the text, mulling over its words and phrases and soaking in its images or themes, truly brings one to a prayerful understanding. Let the words sink in, and you will feel yourself in the presence of God.

[b]Use your imagination.[/b]
Although this approach may not work for every passage, it can be very prayerful for some. Imagine yourself in the text. Where are you? Are there characters with whom you identify? Do you see yourself in any actions?

[b]Reread the entire passage.[/b]
Once you have spent time reflecting on some sections of a passage, reread it in its entirety. Though some parts may have spoken to you more clearly, this exercise helps you remember to keep the section in context.

[b]Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving.[/b]
Thank God for the gift of the Word as you conclude your prayer exercise. It is God's Word that gives us life.



[i]Taken from Catholic Update, July 2004[/i]