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b'Sometimes, I read the Bible to study it, paying attention to who wrote each passage, who they were speaking to, what was going on historically and culturally, what the big ideas and themes are\\u2026stuff like that. When I read the Bible during my quiet time, I often like to have my journal open in front of me so that I can write down verses that stick out to me. Then I can underline and circle words and phrases, or write down thoughts, questions, frustrations, and prayers. I find that writing helps me focus as I engage with the Bible and connect with God.\\nBut there are other times when I don\\u2019t use my journal. Lately, when I have felt weary and frustrated, I will read a passage (usually a psalm) slowly, one phrase at a time, in rhythm with deep breaths. This practice helps me settle myself, slow down, let the words sink in.\\nHere\\u2019s an example. Psalm 23 starts with the words, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d So, I might close my eyes, open my hands so they\\u2019re facing palms-up and resting on my knees, and repeat the words in my head as I breathe slowly:\\n(Inhale) The Lord is my shepherd,\\n(Exhale) I lack nothing.\\nSometimes, I do a whole verse in one breath. But if a word or phrase sticks out to me, I might breathe with it slower or repeat it a couple times. For example:\\n(Inhale) The Lord is \\n(Exhale) my shepherd \\n(Inhale) \\u2026\\n(Exhale) The Lord\\n(Inhale) is\\n(Exhale) my shepherd\\nI might breathe through the whole psalm, or maybe just a verse or two. This slow practice has helped me calm and quiet myself, and re-center my heart and mind on God. When I spend time with God, I\\u2019m reminded of His goodness and love\\u2026and that makes it a lot easier for me to trust Him. As God\\u2019s truth washes over me, He cleans off the ick that has gotten stuck to me as I\\u2019ve gone through life, and He \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153refreshes my soul\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Psalm 23:3). \\u2022 Hannah Howe\\n\\u2022 How do you like to read the Bible? \\n \\u2026we meditate on your unfailing love. Psalm 48:9 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nRom.5.6-Rom.5.11|Rom.7.21-Rom.8.1|1Cor.15.3-1Cor.15.10|John.1.16'