Is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture?
Yet how often am I guilty of turning God’s Word into another item on my to-do list?
Read two chapters in Samuel.
Check.
Next task please.
I might underline a verse. I might even think on a passage for a bit. But so much goes unprocessed.
Which is why I love SPEAK.
Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but a good acronym makes me smile and I have to say, this one’s my fave.
SPEAK is a way to take Bible reading off the to-do list and turn it into something so much more meaningful.
Here’s how it works.
S stands for Sin to Confess
As you read, did you come across a sin you could confess? Perhaps a struggle or a choice or an attitude you’ve been pushing under the rug?
P stands for Promise to Keep
As you read, did you come across one of God’s promises? Something you can hold grab onto and keep close throughout the day?
E stands for Example to Follow
Or sometimes, example NOT to follow. I run across a lot of these in the old testament! For example, never cut your hair when it’s the source of your strength. Samson wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box, if ya know what I’m sayin’.
A stands for Action to Take
Is there something you feel like God’s asking you to do as you read this particular passage? Perhaps it’s offering forgiveness or asking for forgiveness or serving the poor or loving on your neighbor or (insert any number of things here).
K stands for Knowledge to Gain
Did you learn something new about the character of God? The condition of humanity? Angels or spiritual warfare or the way Jesus interacted with the lost?
I might not find everyone of these items in the passage I’m reading, but you can bet I’ll at least find one.
It’s funny.
Whenever I get back into the habit of doing SPEAK, I realize once again just how living and active and applicable God’s Word is in my life.
Let’s Talk: What kinds of things do you do to make sure your Bible reading doesn’t turn into a checklist item?
Love reading all your comments, ladies! Thanks for being such a blessing to me!
Wonderful reminder of how important it is to really invest in our relationships with Him FIRST!
One of my favorite methods of reading the Word is to take a passage and then write out (long-hand, not on the computer) a prayer based on that passage. It’s like a conversation then. And VERY easy to remember how and what to do….
SPEAK, I’m going to try it.
Sometimes I catch myself hurrying through a Bible time because of “pressing” engagements.
What I have to remind myself is that nothing is more important than God and also, quality time is better than quantity time.
Hi Katie, it’s been a while. Pray all is well!
This summer I experienced what Beth experienced. While I was teaching (October through June) staying in the Word was priority. My responsibility was too great. This summer, however, it has become a challenge (life and writing). But the Lord is faithful! My students text me with questions all the time and I find myself back in the word. Last week I bumped into Psalm 19:14 at least 5 times and I knew the Lord was reminding me to keep my focus. So grateful for the Holy Spirit and for women, like you, who remind me to keep my eyes on the Lord and my mind in His word!
Hi Diana! Now I want to go read Psalm 19:14! Thanks for the encouraging comment! Good to “see you”. 🙂
Thanks so much Katie! This came at the right time! And its gonna be a huge help! Actually excited about applying this as I read. Blessings!
I was so blessed by this I made a blog post on it and redirected here 🙂
Tell the World
Thanks!!
I’ve heard of ACTS for prayer, but not SPEAK. Making a note of it.
My faith has been on such a wild ride. I find it most comforting to hang out in Psalms and just wake up talking to God, even if it’s just to say help.
~ Wendy
GREAT post, Katie! I love your acronym. I have one of my own that does the same things: SOAP
-Scripture (read a section)
-Observation (who’s interacting/what’s taking place?)
-Application (can I apply any of this today?)
-Prayer (cover it all over with this)
Thanks for sharing your awesome acronym!
Love that one, Donna!
Ooh, I’ve never seen that acronym before! Very cool. In fact, extra cool because I’ve been thinking about my Bible-reading lately and wishing I could have the experience of reading everything for the first time…fresh and curious. But that acronym really is a good way to approach it.
I have my quiet time first thing in the morning. It’s the only way I know for it not to end up another to-do list item.
I shouldn’t even say a thing. I spend hours at the computer, but I’m “too busy” to pick up my Bible.
This was a good kick in the pants. And nicely said, as well.
I used to teach women’s Bible studies. Funny thing, doing so didn’t make being in the Word a thing on my To Do list. Nope — the responsibility made being in the Word so, so important to me.
Life — and writing — changed all that — and, quite honestly, it was easy to forget to be in the Word. So, this September, I’m back in a women’s study — as a student! Yay!! And I joined with two other friends so we can enjoy it all together.
Digging into God’s Word, being present during that time, soaking it up and learning and praying and reflecting…..isn’t that such an intimate, beautiful time?
Okay, I preface my comment that I TOTALLY agree with you! Reading the bible needs to be much more than just something I check off the list! When I dig into God’s word and let him SPEAK to me through it is the BEST times!
But I don’t think it’s bad to have it on the list either:-) I’ve been SUPER failing in my Bible reading lately by not doing it at ALL many days, and I’m feeling it! I need to get it back ON my check list.
I also smile because SPEAK is kinda like a check-list within a checklist to make sure you get something out of your Bible reading. And I LOVE that. I’m a checklist girl, it helps me be purposeful!
When I went to a private school in my teens, one of our classes was “bible”. We were required to read the Bible every single day and write a journal about what we learned and turn it in weekly. I thought it was horrible. How dare they take my Bible reading and turn it into a grade???
But in hind sight, it made me get in a REALLY good habit of reading my Bible every day, and the journal made me, in a round about way, SPEAK because I couldn’t just read it, I had to apply it. That habit did me quite a bit of good for quite a few years!
Amen, Krista! The first step is getting into the habit of getting into the Word every day.
Then it’s trying to figure out how to make it more than a to-do list item. For me, SPEAK really helps.
Whenever I do it, my reading turns into this intimate time of prayer and reflection. Which makes me wonder…..why in the world don’t I do it more often!?
Love your thoughts, girl. 🙂