Reading the Bible for a Change, Second Edition: Understanding and Responding to God's Word

no amount of advice on Bible reading technique can compensate for hearts and minds that are not willing to follow God humbly.

prayer is not a reading method per se, but without it our hearts are not tuned to receive God’s Word on the right wavelength.

Another interpretive virtue is patience.

Related to this is a passion to know God and to follow him as the Bible teaches.

Story: Stories record an event or series of events that have taken place.

These songs are always poetic and are frequently (but certainly not always) prayers to God. They express praise, thanksgiving, and/or lament, both of individuals and on behalf of a larger group.

Proverbial: Proverbial literature offers insights on how to live.

Psalm: A psalm is a poetic song, found in many places besides just the biblical book of Psalms.

Prophecy is used to communicate God’s commands, accusations of sin, calls to repentance, threats of punishment, comfort, and promises of future blessings.