Bible Study

Ways to Approach Bible Study

Individual Reflection

• - Prepare a place where you can be quiet and reflective for a period of time. You may wish to set up your space with symbolic items that help you to focus, such as candles, a Bible, a cross or an icon.
  - Begin by praying for openness to God's word.
  - Read the text aloud. Note a word, phrase or image that attracts your attention. Is this attraction positive or negative?
  - Read the text again.
  - Meditate on the word or phrase you have selected and listen for God's word to you.
  - If you are using the Eight Days materials included in this resource, read the reflection for the day. What questions arise from it? What do these questions evoke in you?
  - Give thanks to God for the gifts of grace and insight you are finding.
  - Reflect on the text again. Take time to write down any insights, or express them in an artistic way.
  - From your reflection, choose an action you might take.
  - Read aloud the prayer at the end of the reflection, or offer a prayer of your own.
  - If possible, share your reflections with someone else.

Group Reflection

• Groups may use the Eight Days materials included in this resource.
  - Invite people from neighbouring churches.
  - Prepare a space where you can be quiet and reflective together.
  - Arrange chairs in a circle and provide a focus symbol, such as a Bible, cross, icon or candle.
  - Each person needs a Bible or a copy of the readings. If you are using the same Bible version, you may find unison reading adds to the experience.
  - Introduce participants.
  - Take time to focus in silence. Offer a prayer asking for openness to God's word.
  - Divide the group into pairs. Each person looks up one of the readings. After the pairs have read the reading, they discuss these points:
     i) What questions does the reading raise?
     ii) How does the reading illumine the theme of the day?
     iii) What insights does the passage give?
  - Each pair brings back to the larger group insights or questions gleaned from their time together. If you have fewer than four pairs, select which readings to use. If you have more than four pairs, it is fine to have more than one group reflect on a particular reading. Together reflect on whether a few words, phrases or images are especially relevant to your situation.
  - Have one participant read the reflection aloud. After a moment of silence, ask how the unity theme and reflection add to the previous discussion. As a group, choose an action you might take as a result of this reflection. Offer together the prayer at the end of the reflection, or have group members take turns offering prayer. Remember to pray for one another and for your faith communities.

• Baptism
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• Marriage
• Suffering and Hope
• Theological Anthropology
• Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
• To Order
• Theme
• Worship Service
• Planning Tips
• Hymns
• Biblical Commentary
• Bible Study
• Eight Days of Prayer
• Key Dates
• Feedback
• Emergency Planning