Step 2

We are working through a model of scripture meditation created by Kirk Bennett from ZHOP in South Carolina. For more teaching from Kirk and others, click here or here. Kirk has given permission to reproduce the structure of this model. The details and applications are mine to a great degree, however.

So, we have picked a relevant passage, found time in a prayer room or on our own to consider it prayerfully and we have read it...probably more than once. Now its time for the next step: write it! Yes, write it down in a journal or on a worksheet of some kind that will allow you room to expand on your thoughts and insights as we go deeper into this model. It is important to take what is inside your head and turn it into concrete ideas, and I know from experience that writing something out will do this very well. Those of you that journal already will want to jump past this step and into the analysis of the passage but I want to encourage us all to slow down and again take time to let the power of the passage to speak to our spirits. Read the passage a few times and begin to open your spirit to what is being read. You are reaching for God and what He is saying to you as you do this. Now, as you write it out, it will go that much deeper into your spirit. The ideas have appeared on the page in front of you by your own hand. I am not sure why it works, but there is something about writing it out, even though you just read a printed version on another page, that makes it more alive and stays with you longer.

In my university studies, I learned early on that the best way to recall facts, especially ones that were abstract from my life and reality (and therefore difficult to remember on an exam) was to write it all out. I would study for my many history exams, not by reciting the info verbally only, but by actually writing the information down. I always remembered it better if I took this extra step. And it still works today: I will remember the bible passages in question better if I write them out at some point.

As well, writing it out is setting the stage for the next number of steps to follow. Putting it on your own page (or in your own journal) will make it yours. Again, make sure to leave room for the expansion of ideas to come. God is going to talk to you about what you are reading, if you give Him room to do so.

In all of this, the goal remains the same. You want to interact with God as you go deep in considering His written word.

Get your pen and your voice ready...the next few steps are going to get things moving!

Blessings,


Brian Creary
Ministry Director