Have you ever opened your Bible with the best intentions, only to wonder where to begin?

Maybe you’ve read a chapter and closed your Bible feeling like you missed something. Or perhaps you’ve been overwhelmed by the many Bible study methods, commentaries, and resources available. If that’s you, I’d like to share one simple habit that has changed the way I approach God’s Word.

One Simple Prayer

Before you read a single verse, pause and pray:

“God, what do You want me to understand about You today?”

It’s a short prayer, but it has the power to change your perspective.

A Small Shift That Changes Everything

When we open the Bible, it’s easy to begin with questions like:

• What should I do?
• How does this apply to me?
• What am I supposed to learn today?

Those aren’t bad questions, but I’ve found that an even better place to start is by asking God to reveal Himself.

Instead of looking for yourself first, look for God.

As you read, notice what the passage reveals about His character, His promises, His actions, and His purposes. When your focus shifts from yourself to the Lord, Scripture begins to unfold in a richer and more meaningful way.

Reading to Know the Author

This simple prayer also removes the pressure to understand everything immediately.

You don’t have to master every detail or answer every question the first time you read a passage. Bible study isn’t a race to gain information—it’s an invitation to know the Author of Scripture more deeply.

As you spend time in God’s Word, ask yourself:

• What does this passage teach me about God?
• What does it reveal about His character?
• What promise or truth stands out?
• How is God inviting me to trust or obey Him today?

These questions naturally lead to deeper understanding and lasting application.

Why I Created the ABIDE Method™

One of the reasons I created the ABIDE Method™ is because I wanted to help Christian women move beyond feeling overwhelmed and learn a simple, repeatable way to study any passage of Scripture.

The very first step is Ask God.

Before observing the text, before consulting study notes, and before trying to figure everything out, we begin with prayer. We acknowledge that God is our Teacher and invite Him to open our hearts and minds as we read His Word.

Try It Today

The next time you open your Bible, don’t worry about having the perfect study plan.

Simply pause and pray:

“God, what do You want me to understand about You today?”

Then read with expectation.

I believe God delights in revealing Himself to those who sincerely seek Him. Sometimes the greatest transformation in our Bible study begins with one simple question.

What about you? Do you have a prayer you regularly pray before opening your Bible?

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