READ
Step 1
Step 2
​Step 3
OBSERVE
INTERPRET
This seems obvious. Of course one will read the text! But, I put this down as a step of Bible study because I have seen many people skip the reading of the text and go right into interpretation.
Reading the text sets the tone for your study. When studying alone, I sometimes read the text silently, then I read it again, aloud. I just simply read the text as my starting point. If I don't comprehend, I read it again. If it seems incomplete, I read the verses or chapter before and after to get the full context.
For this reason, I generally like to study through a book of the Bible, rather than do topical studies. Topical studies aren't bad, but they actually take more time and effort since the references might hop around and context has to be established for each one. When topical studies are done without establishing context for each passage used, it easily (and quite quickly) leads to misinterpretation, and the next small step from there is false teaching.
Observe what the text says. Simple observation, like a scientist who is observing the behavior of wildlife.
Observation without speculation. Don't make speculations about what you are reading, just observe what it says.
Write down what you observe. It might be as simple as stating a destination, or naming a person in a greeting. It doesn't matter how trivial it may seem to you, it's still God's Word and has all the power as the rest of His Word. So, write it down.
Thinking that part of the Word is less significant than another part is speculation and speculation on the Word has no place in real Bible study.
I'll admit, the interpretation part of Bible study is more involved than reading and making observations. But, there are steps you can take that will boost your confidence in interpretation.
I'll outline these steps here in their simplistic form, and elaborate more later on. Following these steps will lead to proper interpretation. This list is not comprehensive and will be expanded.
1. Always take verses in context.
2. Grammar is important.
3. Use a Bible dictionary, not a regular dictionary, when looking up words.
4. Learn to use a concordance.
5. Learn to use a lexicon.
6. Take your time; interpretation can't be rushed.
PRAY
​Step 4
The prayer aspect of Bible study can't be overlooked. I know some people use application as the next step, but I find application too diverse to use. We simply can't apply the Bible to someone's life, not even our own; that is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is very personal and private. I can only speak for myself and won't even attempt to tell you how to pray The Bible does however give some clear guidelines and marvelous examples. John 17 is the greatest example.
Once I study a passage of Scripture, my prayer is first and foremost gratitude. I'm very genuinely thankful for the opportunity to study, for what I am able to learn, that I can access the Most High God without a barrier or earthly mediator.
What comes after gratitude is usually meditation on the passage I've studied. For me, this is not done in a quiet room with no interruptions. I am the mom of eight kids; there is no such reality for me. My meditation comes throughout the day.....in the shower....or while cooking....while folding laundry ....while driving.....while going about my life and raising my kids.
I also pray from a list, which changes daily depending on needs.
And He changes my life.
Little by little
Day by day.
He will change yours, too.