Can I share a spiritual habit that has helped enrich my Bible reading? 

R-E-A-D your Bible. This acronym helps me daily to meditate more deeply on God. Before you even open your Bible to read, try this:

Remember God. I use a simple breathing technique so that my devotional time with God is less about me and more about him. “I remembered you, God” (Psalm 77:3). I exhale in confession, exhale what I’m trying to control, exhale my fears and disappointments. In turn each time, I inhale while remembering all that is true about God. Who he is. I say, “God, you are ______.” 

Enjoy God. The one “who meditates” on God is “like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:2,3). That’s one happy tree—always nourished and fresh, content and confident as God’s breeze tickles its leaves. 

Appreciate God. I give thanks for five recent blessings. They’re different each day. It puts the focus on God’s work and God’s glory and helps keep me from complaining. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). 

Direct your attention (1 Samuel 3:10). Shut off your devices. Find a quiet place. In your schedule and heart, set apart free time for this moment so that you don’t worry about the next thing. Ask, “God, what do you want to tell me today?” 

Don’t just read the Bible like you read your mail. R-E-A-D the Bible.