The HEAR Bible Study Method

It’s one thing to simply read scripture, but when you interact with it, when you learn to slow down to REALLY read it, that’s when you make the transition from merely reading to actually studying God’s Word and you are able to dig deeper into scripture and “see” more than if you simply read the verses. Recording your thoughts as you read God’s Word causes you to slow down…meditate upon the Word…and listen for His voice. The HEAR Method is a very effective, very easy way to study the Bible while journaling your thoughts and recording how God is speaking to you during your reading.

The HEAR Method:

H – Highlight

Read a passage of Scripture and HIGHLIGHT (or underline) each verse that speaks to you or catches your attention. Next, circle back and choose one verse or verses that really grab your attention. Write the following in your journal: The date of your entry, the name of the book, the chapter, and verse(s). We encourage you to write out the entire verse or passage.

E – Explain

At this stage, you will EXPLAIN what the text means to you and why you chose that verse. This is where you begin to see how God’s Word speaks to you directly. Summarize the verse in your own understanding. How would you explain your verse to someone else? Answer these two questions: What does it say about God, and what does it say about you or your circumstances?

A – Apply

Now it’s time to answer a few questions: How can I apply this verse or passage to my life? What does it say to me? How does this verse impact the way I live my life? This application is the heart of the process. Everything you have done so far culminates here. Journal your thoughts and how this impacts you right now.

R – Respond

Your response to the passage may take on many forms. Describe how you will live and think differently because of what God has said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you are going to do because of what you have learned. Responding by writing out a prayer to God is so helpful. This also allows you to periodically look back and see how God has directly answered your prayers.