Discover how reading Scripture as a conversation with God can transform your spiritual life. Learn practical steps, benefits of engaged Bible reading, and explore Bible verses that deepen your connection with God. Start your journey toward meaningful, relational Bible reading today.

Does your Bible reading ever feel dry or routine, like just another item on your checklist? What if it could be something much more—a life-giving encounter with God? Imagine sitting down with the Word and feeling like you’re stepping into a real conversation with Him, where His voice is clear. God often gives us a longing for a deeper connection and the experience of more engaged Bible reading, which is a beautiful way God draws us closer to Himself.

How we relate to God as we engage with Him through reading the Bible makes all the difference in growing in a deeper relationship with God.

The Basics of Reading Scripture as a Conversation with God

Basic things cannot be skipped or ignored because they are important–that’s why they are basic!  Sometimes I am tempted to skip basic steps because I want to get on to other things.

Over the years God has taught me to read scripture as a conversation—it is after all, His word.  Most of the time we read for one of two purposes—information or entertainment.  When we learn to read God’s word as a personal conversation, we can find ourselves reading for relationship rather than for information. This is a vital perspective shift.

Some of you may think, “Well, duh… everybody knows that.” Here’s the thing: not everybody does. And even when we know this, there’s always a temptation to open God’s Word without the awareness that every time we do, we can hear God speak.

When we are in a hurry it’s easy to approach the Bible with a “ho-hum, check-the-box” mentality. Let’s be honest—we’ve all had days like that.

The book Eat This Book by Eugene H. Peterson, the author of The Message, addresses the value of reading God’s Word as a conversation and the practice of lectio Davina (sacred reading). Peterson writes, “God does not make speeches; He enters conversations, and we are partners to the conversation…” (p. 107). He challenges readers to move beyond reading for information and embrace Scripture as a conversation with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

This perspective helped me engage with God more intimately when I read the Bible.

In the Bible we read that the Word of God is living and active, as well as spiritually discerned.  This is kind of a theological term, but to me it means that God designed His Word to be read in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

If I don’t have the Spirit in the equation, 1 + 1 will only add up to 2—just words —rather than adding up to life.  It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that makes the ink on the page “living, active, and sharp (Hebrews 4:16). This is why Jesus told us that the words He speaks are spirit and life (John 6:63).

How to Read Scripture as a Conversation with God

1. Start with Prayer for Engaged Bible Reading

Every meaningful conversation begins with intentionality. Engaged Bible reading is no different. Practice the basic habit of asking God to speak to you every time you open your Bible. I often think of prayer as opening the door to enter into God’s presence as you read. Here’s a simple prayer to get started: *”Lord, as I open Your Word today, open my heart. Highlight the truths You want me to see and teach me to listen for Your voice.”

2. Read Slowly and Attentively as a Conversation with God

Don’t rush through your reading. Instead, approach the text expectantly, trusting that God will draw your attention to a specific verse, word, or idea. It helps to read a short passage a few times, pausing to reflect and listen each time.

3. Focus on One Thing for Engaged Bible Reading

As you read, look for one verse or idea that stands out. What draws your attention? I like to envision the Holy Spirit using a yellow highlighter. Write it down, reflect on it, and meditate on its meaning throughout the day. This focus helps you internalize the message and creates space for deeper conversation with God.

4. Respond in Prayer to Continue Your Conversation with God

Once a specific truth stands out, respond in prayer. Turn it into a conversation with God. Here are a few examples of ways to respond:

• Thank Him for the insight.
• Ask how it applies to your life.
• Receive the verse as life-giving words.
• Invite Him to help you live it out.

5. Take It with You to Engage with God Throughout the Day

Keep the verse or idea visible during the day. Write it on a sticky note, save it as your phone wallpaper, or journal about it. Allow the truth to sink in and shape your actions.

Focus on One Idea When Reading Scripture as a Conversation with God

For relational reading, it is helpful to read a short passage, 1/2 -1 chapter. Why focus on one thing?  What are the benefits of looking for one main idea, truth, or thought? Remember that devotional reading is for relationship and transformation rather than for collecting information.  Focusing on one thing at a time helps us to engage in Bible reading more actively.  We will often learn more, but asking for one thing brings focus to our attention. It is a place to start our conversation with God.

1. Deepens Retention
   • By focusing on one thing, you’re more likely to remember and reflect on it throughout the day. Sometimes I make a quiz game of it—Can I remember what God and I talked about this morning?
2. Reduces Overwhelm
   • Scripture is rich and layered. Zeroing in on one idea simplifies your reading and makes it more meaningful.
3. Fosters Transformation
   • Engaging with one specific truth allows it to take root and influence your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
4. Encourages a Listening Heart
   • This practice trains you to hear God’s voice and recognize His guidance.
5. Supports Focused Prayer
   • Praying about one idea helps you stay intentional and engaged in your conversation with God. Looking for one central idea develops our attention, much like looking for the prize in a treasure hunt.

12 Bible Verses and Prayers to Read Scripture as a Conversation with God

Here are some of my favorite Bible verses to inspire prayers to begin my time with God. They help me still my thoughts and open my heart to engage with God more fully as I read the Bible passage for the day. Try reflecting on one verse a day as you begin your conversation with God by turning the verse into a prayer. After twelve days, you will begin forming a new habit to help you sense what God is teaching you personally each day.

1. Psalm 119:18, 102
   “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law….I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.”
   Prayer: Lord, as I open Your Word today, open my heart. Highlight the truths You want me to see and teach me to recognize Your voice. Show me one thing You want to teach me today.
2. Proverbs 3:5-6
   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
   Prayer: Help me trust in You as I read and listen for Your voice.
3. Isaiah 55:11
   “So will My word be which goes out of My mouth…”
   Prayer: Thank You that Your Word will not return void but will accomplish its purpose in me.
4. Jeremiah 33:3
   “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
   Prayer: Lord, I call to You. Tell me the wonderful truths You want me to learn today.
5. John 6:33
   “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”
   Prayer: Lord, speak Your words of life to the depths of my soul.
6. John 16:13
   “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”
   Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me into the truth of Your Word today.
7. Romans 15:13
   “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”
   Prayer: Fill me with hope and joy as I hear Your voice today.
8. Romans 10:8
   “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.”
   Prayer: Lord, I’m glad that You are so present and close. Speak to my heart and enable me to enjoy Your presence.
9. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
   “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
   Prayer: Thank You for Your Spirit who helps me understand Your Word. You want me to understand the truths You have given. Thank You for teaching me today.
10. Colossians 3:16
    “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…”
    Prayer: May Your Word dwell richly in my heart and guide my day.
11. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
    “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching…”
    Prayer: Teach me, correct me, and equip me through Your Word today.
12. Hebrews 4:12
    “For the word of God is living and active…”
    Prayer: Let Your Word be alive in me, Lord, shaping my thoughts and actions.
13. James 1:5
    “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”
    Prayer: Father, grant me wisdom as I read and guide me into Your truth.

Which of these verses most inspires you to engage more deeply in your Bible reading?

Reflection Questions for Engaged Bible Reading

It is helpful to have a few meditation or reflection questions to get your conversation with God started.

• What one truth from today’s reading stood out to me?
• How is God inviting me to respond to that truth?
• What in my life most needs this today?
• Do I sense any resistance or tension in me to explore with God?
• How might this practice change my relationship with God?

Imagine the difference in your spiritual life if every time you opened the Bible, it became an intimate, life-giving conversation with God. This week, try reading Scripture with a listening heart. Focus on one idea, talk to God about it, and let it transform you. Leave a comment to let me know what is most helpful for you to engage with your Bible reading more fully.

For more prompts to help you listen to the Lord as you read the Bible as a conversation with God, check out my related blog post, 10 Practical Prompts for Listening to Jesus in Bible Reading. 

Related Blog Posts for More Engaged Bible Reading

• When You Long for God to Speak to You
• Simple Ways to Meditate on God’s Word
• 8 Powerful Ways to Connect with God When He Is Silent
• Ignite Your Faith with Simple Truths for Listening to God
• Do You Struggle with Listening to God?
• Moments to Pray, Listen, and Think Bring Us Closer to God
• 15 Simple Ways to Overcome Distraction to Focus Your Attention on God (with printable)
• 10 Benefits of Reviewing What We Learn from God
• Simple Ways Silence Can Deepen Your Faith
• Discover Six Important Truths About Listening to Go
• 10 Practical Prompts for Listening to Jesus in Bible Reading