Reading with Breathing

July 22, 2022 00:03:40
Reading with Breathing
Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens
Reading with Breathing

Jul 22 2022 | 00:03:40

/

Show Notes

Sometimes, I read the Bible to study it, paying attention to who wrote each passage, who they were speaking to, what was going on historically and culturally, what the big ideas and themes are stuff like that. When I read the Bible during my quiet time, I often like to have my journal open in front of me so that I can write down verses that stick out to me. Then I can underline and circle words and phrases, or write down thoughts, questions, frustrations, and prayers. I find that writing helps me focus as I engage with the Bible and connect with God. But there are other times when I don’t use my journal. Lately, when I have felt weary and frustrated, I will read a passage (usually a psalm) slowly, one phrase at a time, in rhythm with deep breaths. This practice helps me settle myself, slow down, let the words sink in. Here’s an example. Psalm 23 starts with the words, The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. So, I might close my eyes, open my hands so they’re facing palms-up and resting on my knees, and repeat the words in my head as I breathe slowly: (Inhale) The Lord is my shepherd, (Exhale) I lack nothing. Sometimes, I do a whole verse in one breath. But if a word or phrase sticks out to me, I might breathe with it slower or repeat it a couple times. For example: (Inhale) The Lord is (Exhale) my shepherd (Inhale) (Exhale) The Lord (Inhale) is (Exhale) my shepherd I might breathe through the whole psalm, or maybe just a verse or two. This slow practice has helped me calm and quiet myself, and re-center my heart and mind on God. When I spend time with God, I’m reminded of His goodness and love and that makes it a lot easier for me to trust Him. As God’s truth washes over me, He cleans off the ick that has gotten stuck to me as I’ve gone through life, and He refreshes my soul (Psalm 23:3). Hannah Howe How do you like to read the Bible? we meditate on your unfailing love. Psalm 48:9 (NIV)

 

Read Verses:

Psalm 23; Psalm 48:9

Other Episodes

Episode

January 26, 2020 00:03:18
Episode Cover

Bird Food

Did you know that all birds do not eat the same kind of bird food? Some birds don’t even eat birdseed! Woodpeckers prefer to...

Listen

Episode

March 18, 2024 00:04:27
Episode Cover

Distracted Driving

READ: MATTHEW 7:1-5; GALATIANS 6:1-10 “What are they doing?” I grumbled to myself, watching a bright orange pickup truck in my rearview mirror weave...

Listen

Episode

July 13, 2021 00:03:48
Episode Cover

Don’t Go It Alone

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, went from town to town, place to place telling people about Jesus and helping to strengthen some of...

Listen