How often do you read the Bible?

philologos

Just curious, to take a poll from the Christianity section, as to how much people read the Bible and how they go about doing it.

As Christians we claim that the Bible is the primary source for what we can claim to know God, yet how frequently do we spend time reading through the Bible or how do we get to know God more.

Personally, I can find it quite a struggle from time to time to make the quiet time every day to commit myself each morning before I go to work, or at other stages to read the Bible and to pray. Generally, I will read a chapter or more a day from a particular book of Scripture, and read a psalm. I find that reading Scripture gives me the foundation that I need so that if someone gives me an opportunity to tell them more about it that I will be ready and prepared, but also to guide me in striving to live as God wants me to in a world that largely rejects Him and His loving rule.

I'm just curious as to what you all do and how often you do it. Is the Bible a central part of your faith or not.

Onesimus

I try to read it every day. I also hear it almost every day at Mass and at the Divine Liturgy on Sundays.

But I admit I need to spend more time in reading the scriptures than I do. Even if it is just one short passage a day. I also meditate on the scriptures through Our Lady's Holy Rosary when I can.

Good topic.

Benny_Cake

Definitely not often enough. With the various lectionary resources and daily readings online there is little excuse not to make something of an effort.

georgieporgy

I read some every day, generally the mass readings of the day

http://dailygospel.org/main.php?language=AM&module=readings&localdate=20120719

lmaopml

I've read the Scriptures from beginning to end in my private time, but I could read it over and over and see more and learn more, taking one book at a time - there's always more...It's never quite so straight forward - so much to understand too.

I got good advice however, when I started out in private to read for myself as a form of prayer in and of itself - the 'New Jerusalem Bible' is good in the sense that it puts the historical records from Genesis in the OT right the way through the Torah and the relationship from Abraham to Jacob or the nation of Isreal in an historical context, and inserts the books of Ruth and Samuel etc. where they belong in order to give a 'continuety' to reading that keeps one gripped (what happens next??? What of the promise to Jacob??) - and of course I hear it at Mass too - the whole lot over the course of the three years was already stuck in my brain before I put it all together when I had the will to do so.

I read Scripture privately at least once a week from where I left off before, sometimes more and sometimes less - and pray for guidance before and after if I'm shocked or have questions - I take my time these days.

I love the Lords prayer, I think it sums up Scripture - but it's good to know why it does so, those words - and that's why I think I'm drawn to know God more through Scripture, although I don't believe it is the 'only' way. I love the Lords prayer and always try to understand the last 'seven' things Jesus spoke on the Cross - they have deep meaning to most Christians I would imagine.

mcmoustache

I go through my King James bible occasionally. Not as much as I'd like. I'd like to know it better. My father brought one home from Israel years ago and I read it quite a bit. For example, after watching The Omen, I had to go and read the book of revelations.

Despite the fact that I don't believe in any gods, I think it's such a culturally important book that everyone should at least know the gist of it. For better or for worse, it has shaped western thinking and is a pretty impressive piece of work.

im invisible

usually get some auld guy to read a bit to me, once a week. sound lad, though he does go on a bit

mcmoustache

im invisible wrote: »

usually get some auld guy to read a bit to me, once a week. sound lad, though he does go on a bit

He probably doesn't do the cool stuff though. I'd bet he's never read you the advice in Leviticus about how to deal with mildew. I want that read for my wedding.

homer911

I find Bible reading works best with some guidance to help place the reading in context and to understand the key messages from it. There are lots of online and offline resources for this

Personally I like the Word Live from Scripture Union which is accessible through here: www.scriptureunion.ie or directly through here: https://www.wordlive.org (no need to register, unless you want a daily reading in your inbox)

keano_afc

Not enough unfortunately.

I have some nice apps on my phone like Daily Bible and Word For Today that mean I get a few verses read, but I dont really study enough unless I'm putting a message together.

philologos

homer911 wrote: »

I find Bible reading works best with some guidance to help place the reading in context and to understand the key messages from it. There are lots of online and offline resources for this

Personally I like the Word Live from Scripture Union which is accessible through here: www.scriptureunion.ie or directly through here: https://www.wordlive.org (no need to register, unless you want a daily reading in your inbox)

I think sites like The Gospel Coalition, or listening to some sermons when you get the time are worthwhile. I think the sermon collection on The Gospel Coalition website is perhaps one of the best that I've seen. Ranging on varying topics, and varying portions of Scripture.

Sometimes reading the writings of Christians can actually help us to think Scripturally as well, particularly Christians who point to Scripture time and time again when you are reading their works. Also looking to Christians from centuries past who point to the Bible, very very useful in terms of understanding Christianity as people did in times past.

totus tuus

I read a lot of books about Christianity etc. and I'm ashamed to say that I don't read the Scriptures often enough, bar hearing them at Mass. This topic has spurred me to read it more!