7 Easy Ways To Study The Bible As A Beginner

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Have you ever picked up your Bible, flipped it open, and then promptly closed it again because you simply didn’t know how to study the Bible for beginners? Friend, I’ve been there too.

I remember sitting at my kitchen table one morning, steaming mug of tea beside me, Bible open but untouched. I was home alone, and I’d carved out this precious sliver of quiet time which is something I’d been trying to do for weeks. But as I stared at those thin pages filled with ancient words, I felt completely stuck.

Where should I start? What was I supposed to do with all these verses? Was I meant to read it cover-to-cover like a novel?

If you’ve ever felt this way, please know you’re not alone. So many of us long to connect with God through His Word but feel overwhelmed by the sheer size and complexity of the Bible. We want that deep, rooted faith we see in others, but we’re not quite sure how to cultivate it ourselves.

Today, I want to share some wisdom about beginning your Bible study journey. These aren’t complicated scholarly techniques; just simple, intentional ways to start engaging with Scripture right where you are, even in the midst of your beautifully messy, wonderfully full life.

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Why Studying the Bible Matters

Before diving into the “how,” let’s briefly touch on the “why.” The Bible isn’t just another self-help book or historical document. It’s God’s living Word—His love letter to us, filled with His promises, guidance, and truth.

When we study Scripture, we’re not just gaining knowledge; we’re developing a relationship with our Creator.

“The Bible isn’t just another self-help book or historical document. It’s God’s living Word—His love letter to us, filled with His promises, guidance, and truth.”

As busy women juggling countless responsibilities, we might question whether dedicated Bible study is worth our limited time. But I’ve discovered that time in the Word doesn’t just add another task to our day.

It transforms how we approach everything else.

It’s less about checking off a spiritual box and more about allowing God’s truth to seep into every corner of our hearts and lives.

Now, let’s explore some accessible ways to begin your Bible study journey.

Start with Prayer

One of the simplest yet most powerful bible study techniques is to begin with prayer. Before you even open your Bible, take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit into your reading time.

It might sound something like: “Lord, open my heart and mind to what You want to show me today. Help me understand Your Word and apply it to my life.“

This small step acknowledges that Bible study isn’t just an intellectual exercise, but also a spiritual practice where we need God’s guidance. The beautiful truth is that He wants to reveal Himself to you even more than you want to discover Him.

Choose a Reading Plan That Works for You

When considering how to study the Bible for yourself, finding the right plan can make all the difference. Rather than randomly opening to a page (which can sometimes land you in some rather complex passages!), consider these beginner-friendly approaches:

Read a Gospel: Start with Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John to connect with Jesus’s life and teachings directly.
Follow a Devotional: Many devotionals include short Scripture passages with reflections that can help you digest what you’re reading.
Use a Bible App: Apps like YouVersion offer numerous beginner-friendly reading plans on specific topics or books of the Bible.
Try a “Bible in a Year” plan: These break down the entire Bible into daily readings, though I’d suggest giving yourself grace if you fall behind. This isn’t a race!

Consistency matters more than quantity. Five minutes of intentional reading each day will nurture your faith more effectively than an occasional two-hour marathon session.

Use the SOAP Method

If you’re wondering how to go deeper in God’s Word without feeling overwhelmed, the SOAP method offers a simple framework:

S – Scripture: Choose a short passage to focus on (perhaps just a few verses).

O – Observation: What does the passage actually say? Read it slowly, maybe even aloud. Notice details, repeated words, or anything that stands out to you.

A – Application: How might this truth apply to your life today? What is God inviting you to believe, change, or embrace?

P – Prayer: Respond to God based on what you’ve read. This could be thanksgiving, confession, or asking for help to live out what you’ve learned.

I keep a simple notebook beside my Bible where I jot down my SOAP reflections. There’s something powerful about writing things down.

It helps me process and remember what God is showing me.

And on those difficult days when I feel spiritually dry, looking back at previous entries reminds me of God’s faithfulness.

Study with Others

While personal Bible study is essential, there’s something uniquely enriching about studying Scripture in community. When I first began learning how to study the Bible effectively, my small group became a lifeline.

Consider:

Joining a women’s Bible study at your church
Finding an online study group that fits your schedule
Starting a casual study with just one or two friends over coffee or video chat
Downloading a Bible study app that has community features

Other perspectives can illuminate passages in ways you might never see on your own. Plus, the accountability helps when motivation wanes, as it inevitably does for all of us at times.

Use Study Resources Thoughtfully

As you learn how to learn the Bible, quality resources can be incredibly helpful but they should supplement, not replace, your direct engagement with Scripture.

Some beginner-friendly resources include:

Study Bibles: These contain helpful notes, maps, and explanations.
Bible Dictionaries: These help you understand ancient customs, places, and terms.
Commentaries: These offer deeper insights into passages from biblical scholars.
Bible Study Workbooks: These provide structured questions and reflections.

I’ve found it helpful to first read a passage on my own, jotting down my initial thoughts and questions, before consulting any resources. This allows God’s Spirit to speak to me directly before I hear other voices.

Connect Scripture to Your Everyday Life

One of the most transformative ways to study the Bible is to actively look for connections between ancient texts and your present reality. As you read, ask yourself:

How does this reveal God’s character?
What promises or principles can I hold onto today?
How might this shape my approach to my current challenges?

I keep a small journal where I write down verses that speak specifically to situations I’m facing such as daily struggles, work decisions, relationship tensions. This practice of finding Scripture for specific life circumstances has helped me see the Bible as deeply relevant to my daily walk, not just a historical or theological document.

Give Yourself Grace

Perhaps the most important of all Bible study methods is approaching Scripture with grace rather than perfectionism. Your Bible study practice won’t look perfect, and that’s absolutely okay.

Some days you’ll have profound insights; other days, you’ll feel like you’re just going through the motions. Some seasons allow for deep, extended study; others might only permit brief moments of reflection.

“Remember that God isn’t keeping score. He delights in every small step you take toward knowing Him better through His Word.”

Remember that God isn’t keeping score. He delights in every small step you take toward knowing Him better through His Word.

When I miss a few days (or, let’s be honest, sometimes weeks) of consistent study, I’ve learned to simply begin again without shame. Jesus-centred Bible study is about relationship, not religious performance.

A Heart-to-Heart Invitation

Sweet friend, learning how to study the Bible isn’t about becoming a theological expert or checking off a spiritual discipline. It’s about meeting Jesus in the pages of Scripture and allowing His words to transform your heart, one small encounter at a time.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

The God who authored these words knows your name and loves when you show up, however imperfectly, to spend time with Him.

I’d love to know: Which of these Bible study approaches resonates most with you? Or do you have another gentle way of connecting with Scripture that has helped you as a beginner?

Share in the comments below. Our community grows stronger when we learn from one another’s journeys.

Rooted in grace with you,

If you found this helpful, please share this post with another woman who might be looking for simple ways to start studying the Bible. And don’t forget to download our free “Printables For Bible Journaling” in the resource library!

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