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You really want to go, but you are just not quite sure how it will be. What if the presenter doesn’t do a good job? What if you hate asking questions? What if it’s not even interesting? What if your group doesn’t understand where you are coming from at all?
Okay, my friend, stop the “what-ifs”. Those kinds of thoughts can kill a great experience that you never even allowed yourself to have!
First, stop overthinking it, and just GO to that Bible Study!
You will be glad you did, and I guarantee so will the others who are there!
Secondly, you have to put into something that you want out of it, right?
And just in case you still need some reassurance and some help to get the most out of your experience, here are the tips I learned to get the absolute best from a Bible Study. You can, too!
#1: Show Up
I mean, really show up. You can’t just go and expect to get something out of just being there.
Prepare.
Prepare your heart and mind for encounters with God. Prepare to see Him in the thoughts and faces of those you interact with.
Then prepare to be awed when God does show up in the midst of your discussions. When you see the face of a fellow student light up with understanding. When you realize that your heart is full and you are surrounded by people striving to become holy saints of God.
That’s what showing up means.
#2: Do Your Homework
This goes with being there. If there is homework or a challenge, complete it to the best of your ability.
It’s okay if you don’t know the exact answer. It’s okay if you don’t finish all of it.
But at least you tried! And you are putting that effort into being prepared. Everyone appreciates someone who is prepared, and you can get into the deeper side of a Bible Study when you have already done your background work.
#3: Contribute
This may sound harsh, but if you don’t contribute to the conversation, it will be difficult to get feedback and ideas from others who may or may not had the same thoughts as you did.
For example, the Bible Study I am attending over the Gospel of John. There are so many cool references and tricks in John that I never realized before. The more I contribute to the conversation, the more I know I have 1) Showed Up and 2) Done My Homework.
See where I’m going here? They all fit together, my friend.
#4: Listen
Just as important as having things prepared and a willingness to discuss with your group, so is listening.
I think we all could do a better job at listening in all areas of our life. If we can listen to others that we don’t know that well at a Bible Study, we must be willing to listen to our children, spouses, and other family members and friends with the same openness and hunger.
It is fascinating what you can learn from other people if you only allow yourself to truly listen.
#5: Open Your Heart
You need to be listening and opening your ears to others’ thoughts; you never know when God might throw something at you. He works through other people sometimes, you know.
Even more than that, open your heart the workings of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that lives and breathes and moves in us, bringing us closer to holiness and to our Lord.
Being willing to answer God’s call in all areas of our life is vital to our Christian walk of faith. The best way to do that with ease is with the Spirit.
#6: Pray for Others Present
If you have a small group you meet with, pray for them during the week. If there is just one big group, pick out a few a week and offer special intentions for them.
A lot of times personal issues and problems come up during discussions. It is human nature to share about our struggles; be the person who offers hope to that person.
You don’t have to tell them you are praying for them, but offer an encouraging word and go home and pray for them anyway. And extra Our Father and Hail Mary never hurt anyone!
#7: Respect the Leader
Whether it is the priest, a deacon, a couple or one qualified person from your church, give them a break. They are human, too.
Just because they didn’t have one thing prepared during one session or didn’t have the answer right away is absolutely no reason to not come back. Don’t be dramatic.
Instead, think of them as a guide to help you and your study-mates along the right path. Their job is to lead you to Jesus, and I’m willing to bet that’s their number one goal.
Your number one goal is to be a good study participant, yeah? Luckily for you, we’ve talked in length about that subject!
The Bigger Goal of a Bible Study
While I realize there are several different types of Bible studies, the main goal is to get to know the Bible more fluently, to deepen your relationship with Jesus, and to discover the almighty will of God for your life.
That’s the big picture. But don’t forget to do your part.
Show up with your body and mind ready to be engaged in God’s Word. Complete the assignments, dig deep when necessary. Respect your facilitator and others participating in the study. Most importantly, be open to the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit.
You know what, I didn’t even require you to ask questions. But if you feel so moved to, and I bet you will; ask away! Your leader is more than happy to answer questions. Who knows, someone in your group might even know the answer!
That, my friends, is how you get the most of a Bible Study.
Any other suggestions or ideas on how to really benefit from going to your parish’s study? Comment below; I would love to hear them!
Here are some resources I found while looking for ways to have a great Bible Study:
-Bible Study Tips from Bible Study Tools
–3 Tips for Starting a Bible Study if that interests you
–How to Start a Bible Study from KLove
-One of my favorite resources: USCCB, where they offer daily readings, Lectio Divina, and all kinds of great things that show in up in your mailbox!
Related posts:
–How to Get Your Kids Involved in Bible Reading
-How to Implement Prayers Into Your Child’s Nighttime Routine
–One Mistake you are making when you pray
