BibleGateway.com includes this interesting observation: “The Bible itself teaches us how we are to approach God’s Word. Words the Bible uses include ‘meditate’ (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8), ‘reflect’ (2 Timothy 2:7), ‘look intently’ (James 1:25), ‘dwell’ (Colossians 3:16), ‘ponder’ (Psalm 119:95), ‘consider’ (Jeremiah 2:31), and even ‘eat’ (Jeremiah 15:16; Revelation 10:9-11). The phrase that summarizes this process is ‘Scripture engagement.’

Here are some resources to stretch your Scripture engagement into new dimensions.

Learning about reading the Bible

• How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens by Michael Williams connects each of the sixty-six books of the Bible to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson challenges us to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God’s revelation, and to live them as we read them.
• Read Your Bible Through a Kaleidoscope by Dennis R. Edwards on ChristianityToday.com reminds us to step outside Eurocentric perspectives when we read God's Word.
• The How to Read the Bible video series from The Bible Project gives pointers for engaging with many different types of biblical literature.

Wondering questions

Asking “wondering questions” is a powerful way to explore God’s story. These open-ended questions encourage curiosity and often spark deep discussion. Check out the Network post Wondering about Wondering to learn more.

• Sample wondering questions:
  • What do you wonder about this story?
  • What is God doing through the people and events in this story?
  • If you were the main character in this story, what would you do?
  • How might this story change the way you think or act?
• 5 Ways to Wonder with Kids is a one-page tip sheet for parents who would like to help their kids wonder.
• I Wonder: Engaging a Child’s Curiosity about the Bible by Elizabeth F. Caldwell is a deep-dive resource for adults who want to explore ways to help children read, engage, wrestle, and grow in their understanding of the Bible.

Engaging with Scripture visually

• Explore Visio Divina, a Christian practice that involves praying with or meditating on art. Some images that lend themselves to practicing visio divina can be found on Eyekons.com, oldandnewproject.com, and museum websites. Or simply use the Internet to do an image search for a specific passage of Scripture.
• BibleGateway.com also offers helpful tips for engaging Scripture through art.
• The Bible Project offers artistic video overviews of each book of the Bible, as well as videos exploring Bible themes. These videos are great for older kids, youth groups, and intergenerational groups.
• The Visual Faith Project from Vibrant Faith combines Scripture, images, and questions to create a unique Scripture engagement experience for groups.

Small group studies

• The Book That Understands You by Kevin Adams. Did you ever wonder how your life story connects with the story of the Bible? Find out with this study, great for small groups, adult education, young adults, and outreach.
• The Bible Project offers insightful small group studies, each of which includes an excellent Bible Project video, a short audio message, Scripture readings, and discussion questions.