9 Creative Ways to Engage the Scripture

By its very definition, Engaging the Scripture is a process that requires us to dig in and do some work. And let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of the work gets in the way of our actually doing the work…

            It’s too hard. Prone to unimaginative routine. Even, dare I say, dull.

“Scripture Engagement is interaction with the biblical text in a way that provides sufficient opportunity for the text to speak for itself by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Dr. Fergus Macdonald

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Tools can help us work through the difficult and hard places. As well, a little creativity can energize us in the routine, mechanical, and dull.

If your time in God’s Word could use a breath of fresh air, consider these 9 creative ways to Engage with the Scripture.

9 Creative Ways to Engage the Scripture 

Display It 

Whether you purchase it or create it yourself, decorate your home with Scripture. (Or when committing a verse to memory, write it out on a scrap of paper and post it anywhere you will see it often.) 

Dramatize It 

Whether spontaneous or professional, dramatizations can help bring Scripture to life. Drama engages our mind and emotions. A worship drama team can help make truth more clear to a congregation by thoughtfully re-enacting a passage through a well-scripted, rehearsed, costumed presentation. As well, a family can bring a Bible narrative to life with an impromptu dramatization during their time of family devotions.  

Journal It 

Journaling shares many of the same benefits as writing. The practice of journaling Scripture can slow us down, focus our minds, and help us concentrate. 

Listen to It  

There are several options for listening to the Word. One way is to listen as you read Scripture aloud for yourself. Of course, another option is to listen as someone else reads. There are some wonderful versions available for purchase, but good ones are also available for free. Listening as someone else reads is a great opportunity to hear the Bible when life is busy.  

Read It – Interpretively 

Leave the monotone behind and add some pizzazz. Capture the meaning of a passage of Scripture with expression, timing, and passion. 

Sing It 

There’s just something about singing that touches the soul. I’ve even heard singing referred to as the language of thanksgiving. Whether you locate Scripture songs through an internet search or put Scripture to your own made-up tune, sing! The singing of Scripture helps connect our minds and our hearts with a passage. It’s also a powerful way to commit Scripture to memory and to pray Scripture. 

Share It 

I have a friend who makes it a practice to share the Scripture she is studying with others. Not long ago she was working through one of the Psalms, journible-style, and at the close of each day’s study, she sent the day’s Scripture passage and her insights to a group of friends via email. Consider sharing one verse a day with at least one other person for the next month. 

Sketch It 

Depict the main ideas of a passage with simple illustrations or symbols. 

Teach It 

They say the best way to learn something is to teach it. That certainly makes sense. Teaching others requires that you know the material. To teach with confidence you must go deep, penetrating the text through study and comprehension. 

AVAILABLE NOW!

Engaging the Scripture: Encountering God in the Pages of His Word is a practical guide to interacting with the Bible. Full of ideas, inspiration, and tools for working in the vineyard of Scripture.

Click HERE to learn more.