Discipline of Study (Draft)

By Richard Damon , 27 December 2025

Table of Contents

  1. Basics
    1. The four steps
  2. Studying Books
    1. Steps
    2. External Aids
    3. Difference between Devotional Reading and Studying.
  3. Study of the Non-Verbal
    1. Steps
    2. Study of Self
  4. Lectio Divina
  5. References

The Discipline of Study is the last of the Inward Disciplines.

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1) Basics

1.1) The four steps

  1. Repetition: builds habits
  2. Concentration: Focusing on the material
  3. Understanding: Asking what does this mean
  4. Reflection: Asking what is the significance of this TO ME.
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2) Studying Books

2.1) Steps

  1. Understand what is said
  2. Interpret what the author means
  3. Evaluating the material. Is it right? what do I need to do about it? (This is the LAST step)

2.2) External Aids

  1. Experience: what do we know previously about the subject
  2. Other Books: Other things we have read to help us understand (Dictionaries, Commentaries)
  3. Live Discussion: Talk about what you read with others.

2.3) Difference between Devotional Reading and Studying.

Studying the Scriptures focuses on FIRST learning and understanding what the words are saying, and THEN figuring out how you will apply it. On the other hand, devotional reading tends to focus on asking what this passage mean to me, and how do I apply it. In essence, devotional reading presumes an understanding of the material (or at least that I can extract the understanding without study) with an eye to a "quick boost".

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3) Study of the Non-Verbal

It is important to also study God through his creation, by the direct evidence.

3.1) Steps

  1. Pay attention to things. 
  2. Make "friends" with them. "Communicate" with them

3.2) Study of Self

It is important to not just examine nature around you, but to study yourself. Not as an amateur psycologist psychologist or socialologist, and not to get into excessive introspection, but look at yourself, see what produces feelings and moods in you. 

(This step is for the reasonably well adjusted individual. If you suffer from depression, and the like, and this sort of exercise pulls you down, do not push it. See also the sections on Confession and Guidance).

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4) Lectio Divina

One long-standing method of study (so old it gets a Latin name, which translates to "Divine Reading") is Lectio Divina. It works following the following basic outline:

  1. Before starting, take some time to quite down, Sit, Meditate, Pray, to get into a state ready to hear God's voice
  2. Read. Read the scripture passage you intend to study. Read it multiple times. First skim to get the overall concept, then slowly to see the details. Look for something to jump out to you. Let the Scriptures speak to you.
  3. Reflect: Meditate on the scripture you just read. Open your mind to let God tell you what he means, to add insight, and to clarify. Let it sink in.
  4. Respond: Pray about the scripture to God. Tell him what you have learned. Ask him questions about it. Pause and let him answer. Talk to God about it.
  5. Rest: Think about the scripture. What is it calling you to do? How do you need to change? What new things do you need to do or what old things do you need to stop doing? Let the scripture change you.
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5) References

Below are some other references on Study that may be useful, many more exist.

Brian Goode, Hearing God through the Scriptures (YouTube Video)

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