Personal Quiet Time
Getting the most out of your daily devotions
BSF Staff
From the Editorial Team
Whether we are new to the Bible or have studied for years, reading Scripture can be challenging. When we feel limited by our lack of knowledge or are confused by difficult chapters, it helps to remember Bible study basics. At BSF, we know there are many helpful methods for Bible study, but the “read, reflect, respond” approach has guided our members for generations. For a visual guide, use this worksheet.
Step 1: Read
Pray before reading the passage. Ask God to give you understanding of His person and His Word. Ask Him to strengthen your relationship with Him and to show you how to apply His Word to your life.
Read the passage in context. As you prepare to jump into a verse or passage, read the surrounding chapters or the entire book before studying smaller portions. Keep this big picture in mind as you study. Understanding the context helps to avoid misapplying the Scriptures.
Write or record words or phrases that stand out to you as you read. Take particular note of repeated words and words that describe God, His commands, and His promises. Write these down. Take your time with this step. What God’s Word says is more important than our conclusions or opinions about it.
Step 2: Reflect
This requires taking time to prayerfully think. Ask God to help you answer the following as you write or record your thoughts.
What does the passage teach about God?
For deeper study:
- What attributes of God are displayed?
- What names of God are mentioned and what do they mean?
- How does this passage point to the person and work of Jesus Christ?
What does the passage teach about people?
For deeper study:
- What is the experience of each character in the passage?
- What is occurring in the heart and mind of each character to motivate their actions?
- What is right or wrong in their relationships with God and others?
- What does the passage reveal about people and their complete dependence on God?
- What does the passage reveal about people and their need for a gracious, merciful Savior?
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Step 3: Respond
In this step we take action by praying about, and applying what we learn. By this point, there is usually one message that God continues to bring to your attention.
Pray as you consider how the passage applies to you personally.
- Consider how the truths in the passage speak into your current circumstances.
- Pray the words of the passage back to God.
Write or record how you plan to apply what the Scripture passage taught you. Some people choose to write a short prayer during this step.
For particularly challenging passages, pray for wisdom and clarity. If your Bible includes related Scripture references in the margins, footnotes, or a concordance in the back, use those references to guide an even deeper study of God’s Word. When we discover Scripture in context and in its entirety, God reveals life-changing truth one verse at a time.
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“ What attributes of God are displayed?” In this article written by BSF staff this question is posed. My question, is what are the attributes of God?
My leader about six years ago when I first started BSF, gave us a handout on the attributes of God. At that time I didn’t keep my lesson for the year, so that list has long since been out of my hands.
Is there a way I could get that paper again? Would someone of my local on-site BSF have that available?
Hi Cindy, yes! I love using that list also. You can find it here: https://bsfblog2025.onecreative.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/attributesPDF.pdf
U might be able to get it from the website.
Hi Peony – you can find that list here: https://bsfblog2025.onecreative.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/attributesPDF.pdf
This is my confirmation of my next journey. I love the Graham family and began on BGEA Prayer Line in 2023 and I have a neighbor who is leader with BSF and got onto the John study. Now I have been invited into the leadership program this year. I feel truly blessed for this invitation 🙏 God is so very good.
Amen God is working in our life. He will open up Avenues for us
Thank you BSF Headquarters. I appreciate the tools you supply, that help me in studying and understanding Gods Word!
Great tools!!! Thanks for organizing & simplifying how to study God’s Words to me!
The article “What I learned from a miracle” should be read by all! We in the US have no clue about challenges other countries face with all kinds of obstacles. This article is embedded in the “Does God choose me or did I choose God” blog. Please read one and all! Thank you BSF for sharing! Praying for this God serving family!
Thank you for making it easier for me yo study the Bible and clear understanding.
Jesus be known
Could you explain the First Day questions. I always get so confused. The Notes question is from the prior week correct? The lecture is for the current week being studied and NOT the prior week correct?
Cyndi – yes! The questions on day 1 refer to the previous week’s notes AND the lecture from the previous week. Day 1 begins with a review of the previous lesson. Your group leader can also clarify further