<--- Download Printable Reading Plan
To go along with our winter sermon series, Encounters, we’ve created a six week Bible reading plan. Make time any five days of each week to read the passage indicated. If you fall behind, just pick up where you left off. Spending time reading scripture is more important than keeping a strict schedule.
The reading plan takes you through stories in the book of Mark where Jesus encounters people in a variety of ways and settings—with individuals or groups, and through conversations, teachings, or miracles. Sometimes people approached him, sometimes he approached them, and other times people were just nearby and interacted with him as he moved through his life.
No matter the scenario, no one who encountered Jesus left unchanged. We hope that your time reading the stories of Jesus’ encounters will shape and guide you as you also encounter Jesus through reading Scripture about him.
BREAD Bible Reading Method
To help us encounter Jesus through our Scripture reading, there's a way of engaging with a passage that helps us slow down and find a personal encounter with God as we read. It’s called BREAD, and it’s a simple acronym to guide your time in God’s Word. It will help you pray, meditate, and journal through the Scripture passages. Follow the prompts and let it guide your time.
BE STILL: Start by putting away your devices or any distractions and get into a comfortable but alert position. Take a moment to let your mind calm down so you can focus. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
READ: When you’re ready, read through the Scripture for that day. After a minute, reread the passage again slowly. As you read, notice what stands out to you about and write it down.
ENCOUNTER: Meditate on what God highlighted to you in the passage by journaling or thinking through questions like:
- Where does this intersect with my current life and circumstances?
- What might God want me to know about himself, myself, or others?
- Is God revealing a lie or truth he wants me to notice and respond to?
- What else might God be saying to me?
APPLY: Next, begin to name and write down how God might want you to carry what he’s saying into your day. What truth do you need to hold onto today? How might God want to change you through this passage? Write down how you are going to apply this truth practically today.
DEVOTE: Finally, write or say a prayer, committing yourself to what God has been revealing to you and how you want to be transformed by him and his truth.