Just as all who climb behind the wheel of a vehicle don’t have the same destination in mind, so too all who read the Bible don’t share uniform intensions, expectations, and ambitions. Not all are bad, but they are different.

How do you read the Bible? Why do you go to the word of God? What are you expecting? Should you (or could you) read it differently than you do? How can you pray as you encounter God through his special revelation?

Below are six different ways that people read the Bible. These are obviously not exhaustive, nor are they always independent of each other. But, these categories may be helpful in an effort to identify, perhaps, the diverse ways we, as individuals, approach Scripture at varied points in our lives. It may also be helpful to understand the different ways others in our lives approach the word of God that we may pray for them as well.

SOME READ TO SCOFF

There are some people who, grounded in prideful disbelief and burdened with hard-heartedness, open the pages of Scripture with the express purpose of finding therein what they’ve already decided they will find—fiction, silliness, and unbelievable nonsense. This is the most ignorant and tragic form of confirmation bias that exists and, at its core, is demonic.

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts …

2 Peter 3:3

How to pray for a scoffer: Lord, soften the heart, humble the mind, bring them to the end of themselves.

SOME READ TO EXPLORE

There are others who come to the Bible far less resolved in their cynicism than scoffers. Through countless means (but always because of God’s gracious work and kind intervention) an ember of providential curiosity has been nurtured in their lives, one that must be fanned into the flames of saving faith in the Son of God by the work of the Spirit of God. But, at this point, drawn by a Beauty they cannot yet define or know, they approach the written word.

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

Acts 17:11

How to pray for an explorer: Lord, encourage the heart, speak through your word, illumine truth, and save the soul.

SOME READ TO BATHE

Because the word of God itself is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), there is great benefit for the child of God to simply take it in, allowing its divine truth to wash, renew, strengthen, and confirm. While this type of reading may seem casual, because of the Holy Spirit—the Author of the text and the indweller of the reader—it is as important and efficacious as routine physical hygiene.

… so that [Christ] might sanctify [his church], having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

Ephesians 5:26–27

How to pray for a bather: Lord, expose and cleanse all filth that holiness may result and godliness may shine.

SOME READ TO LEARN

There are times when a more pointed approach to the Bible is not only appropriate but necessary: particular happenings in life, specific questions posed, certain interests piqued, or increased understanding desired. At these times one may approach holy writ with the focus and intentionality of a detective excitedly seeking and doggedly following clues with anticipation and expectation.

Your word is a lamp to my feet // And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

How to pray for a learner: Lord, reward your servants’ desire to know you by progressively unveiling your majesty and faithfulness.

SOME READ TO EXPLAIN

It is the privilege and responsibility of the maturing in Christ to teach others also. Whether babes in life (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:15), babes in faith (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12–14), or other believers pursuing maturity (Matthew 28:19–20), the instruction of one another is baked into the cake of life in the body of Christ. This reality is motivational fodder to know better the basis and catalyst for such growth, that is, the written word of God.

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2

How to pray for the explainer: Lord, grant wisdom, discernment, knowledge, eloquence, and humility beyond human capability.

SOME READ TO PROCLAIM

Herein lays the difference between teaching and preaching, instruction and proclamation. The goal of the former is increased knowledge of God, his ways, and his world. A wonderful end, to be sure. However, the goal of the latter, by comparison, is the right application (read: the Authorially-intended application) of said knowledge for the purpose of progressive conformity to the image of God’s Son by God’s power for God’s glory (Rom 8:29). 

… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction …

2 Timothy 4:2

How to pray for the proclaimer: Lord, give insight, passion, precision, and urgency.