Encountering God Through the Slow Reading of Scripture
In a fast-paced world where distractions abound, finding meaningful ways to connect with God can feel challenging. However, there’s a transformative practice that allows us to not only engage with scripture but to truly encounter God—the slow reading of scripture. This is not about skimming for information or checking off a devotional task. Instead, it’s an invitation to meet God through His Word, letting it dwell in us richly as Colossians reminds us.
Here’s how you can begin practicing the slow reading of scripture and encounter God in a deeper, more personal way.
1. Set Apart Time To be Unhurried
First, set apart time and create space where you can be unhurried and unrushed. Unlike other tasks, reading scripture isn’t about accomplishing something but about building a relationship with the living God. Find a quiet spot—a favorite chair, a corner in your home, or even a place outdoors—where you can focus solely on being with Him.
2. Submit to the Word
Approach scripture with an open heart, free from preconceived notions or personal agendas. This isn’t about proving a point or solving a theological puzzle but about allowing the truth of God’s Word to speak directly to your soul.
3. Seek God Through the Word
When reading, shift your focus from seeking information to seeking God Himself. Even when you come across confusing passages or historical details, let those take a backseat to the real goal: encountering the presence of God. In our daily lives, it’s easy to let our thoughts revolve around ourselves—our problems, worries, and to-do lists. Slow reading invites us to reorient our focus, making God the center of our mental energy and attention.
Rather than reading scripture for facts or knowledge, approach it as an opportunity to hear God’s invitation. His Word is alive and active, offering us experiences, encounters, and moments of intimacy with Him.
A Practical Example: Daniel’s Resolve
To illustrate how this practice works, consider the story of Daniel in exile, found in the book of Daniel. One day, I slowly read through Daniel’s decision to not defile himself with the royal food and wine (Daniel 1:8-19).
8 Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel…
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.
Here’s how this passage spoke to me:
- Resolve: The word “resolved” jumped out to me. Daniel made a deliberate determination in his heart to honor God, even in challenging circumstances.
- God’s Presence: Despite being in exile, God’s favor and compassion were with Daniel. This reminded me that God doesn’t abandon us, even when life feels difficult.
- God’s Provision: God gave Daniel and his friends knowledge and understanding, equipping them for their journey.
Reading this passage slowly, I wasn’t just processing words—I was meeting God in the text. It wasn’t about understanding every historical detail but about hearing God’s voice speaking into my life.
What God Spoke to Me
Through this practice, I sensed two clear invitations from God:
- Reject Victimhood: Tough situations don’t define us. Failures don’t define us. God’s presence remains with us, even in difficult seasons.
- Resolve to Stay Close to God: No matter the circumstances, we can always resolve to stay devoted and consecrated to Him, knowing that He is already near to us. Psalm 23 reminds us of this truth in Scripture:
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
When I finished, I felt deeply assured of God’s presence in my own struggles. I knew, without a doubt, that He was with me—and that was enough.
The Gift of Slow Reading
The slow reading of scripture allows us to experience the nearness of God in ways we might otherwise miss. It’s not about how much we read or how quickly we get through the text. It’s about allowing the Word of God to transform us, one deliberate moment at a time.
So, the next time you open your Bible, slow down. Listen. Be present. God is waiting to meet you in His Word.
God bless you as you embrace these life-giving practices.