If you know me or have spent much time around the blog, you know that one of my all-time favorite methods for digging deeper into Scripture is Verse Mapping.
For those who may not yet be familiar with Verse Mapping, it is a process of examining a verse more closely. [ctt template=”2″ link=”e4Xxq” via=”yes” ]Verse Mapping helps you familiarize yourself with a verse and really digest it, allowing its meaning to penetrate your heart. @HaddixDeborah[/ctt]
A quick review of the process:
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Write out your verse leaving plenty of white space around it.
2. *Choose any or all of the following ideas for mapping your verse:
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Personalize it by crossing out personal pronouns (you, we, whoever, etc.) and substituting your name.
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Highlight phrases or words that jump out at you.
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Read the verse in context.
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Read the verse in at least two other Bible translations.
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Locate cross references.
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Circle a word or two and do a word study.
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Look the word/s up in a dictionary and record the definition/s.
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Look up synonyms and antonyms.
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Use a topical index and/or concordance to find other verses where the word appears.
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Write out what you are learning.
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Record your thoughts on how the Scripture can be applied in your daily life.
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Close your study time in prayer and write the prayer out on your map.
*It is important to note that there is absolutely no right or wrong way to map a verse. The choice is yours. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you each time you engage in the process.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that I can use one of my favorite tools, Verse Mapping, to map other things!
Last year as I was contemplating how I might observe Advent, I checked my Pinterest board and came across The Names of Jesus Advent Chain. This is a great activity for children posted by Maureen Spell over at Spell Outloud.
The pin got my attention. The names of Jesus always draw me in.
But I no longer have children at home and the grandchildren who live nearby are very young. As a paper chain, the activity did not really meet my needs for this particular season.
So, I decided to do my own take on Maureen’s Advent Chain – Verse Mapping the Names of Jesus. A name a day using the Verse Mapping process.
How might you use Verse Mapping? I’d love to hear.
For more information on Verse Mapping you can view these previous posts:
Verse Mapping
Digging Deeper Kids: Verse Mapping
John 17:3 – A Verse Map
10 comments
Aimee Imbeau
This is a great idea, Deborah! I do something similar when I go through Bible studies by Doorposts. We look at various versions, word meanings, etc. Thanks for linking up with Grace and Truth.
Kristi Woods
Thanks for listing your steps in verse mapping, Deborah. While I don’t follow these exact ones, and only verse map “here and there”, I’m thankful to have your list for future reference. Visiting via #testimonyTuesday.
Ami Coote
Ooooh! New Bible study method. I love this … going to try this out today!
Embracing the Lovely
We’re definitely sisters! I just verse mapped from my Ipad and posted it to IG. Yay for verse mapping and absorbing the wonderful words of our Lord!
Michele Morin
Fantastic activity for children’s ministry!
Deborah
Aimee, Thank you for sharing. I do love the versatility of Verse Mapping. So many, many ways to use it! Thank you for visiting today!
Deborah
Kristi, That’s one of my favorite things about Verse Mapping — There’s absolutely no right or wrong way to do it!!! I’d love to hear your steps for the process. Thank you for stopping by today! Merry Christmas!
Deborah
I’m so excited, Ami! Be sure to let me know what you think after you’ve tried it.
Deborah
I absolutely adore meeting new sisters! I’ll have to hop over to IG and look for your post.
Deborah
That’s one of the things I love about Verse Mapping, Michele. It is appropriate for and works wonderfully with all ages!!!