Verse-by-Verse Study
For your individual devotional time, we recommend starting with a verse-by-verse study. Kelli Tague has introduced this method to many women at Rancho del Rey Church. Each day you take one verse (usually from the New Testament) and dive into it. You ask many different questions and journal your thoughts as you talk to God about the verse. As a group we will focus on specific verses each week. Then we will discuss what God is teaching us during our Weekly Meeting.
Here is a general outline of how to do this and a list of questions that might be applicable:
(PDF version to print and place in your journal)
Pray- ask God what He wants to show you today.
Read one verse – write the verse in your journal or paraphrase it (you may choose to write it at the end of the devotional time instead).
Ask Questions – not all questions will be applicable every time.
- What did the scene look like at the time it was written? Close your eyes and use your senses if it helps you. Imagine the taste, touch, smell or sounds if applicable.
- What do you think it is saying to the reader of the time period it was written?
- What words stand out? Define and expound on them
- Why do you think the author used that wording?
- What do you already know from other Bible passages about this verse?
- What did I learn about God today?
- What did I learn about life?
- What did I learn about myself, my attitudes, priorities, fears, failures or desires?
- Does this verse challenge me in any way?
- What can I take and pray back to God for understanding, instruction, or help?
Meditate on it - After you have dissected the verse with the questions above, read the verse again and think about the verse as a whole.
- Does the verse have any new or greater meaning than it did when you first read it?
- Has God revealed anything new to you?
Journal - Write the answers to the questions above, any new discoveries you made during mediation, and any questions you may have so we can discuss them.
Pray – Thank God for what he has shown you. Ask him to help you put the things you have learned into action. If you keep a Prayer Journal, this is a great time to pull it out.
Apply – As you go throughout your day, how can you apply what you learned? In what tangible ways can you use this verse?
These are just the basics to get you started. Notice we don’t say, go online and see what others say about this verse. First we want you to read the Word and see what God is speaking to you about. Then if you want to dig further, check with a Bible Encyclopedia.
If you feel you need and want more time in God’s word, check out The Next Step page.