After leading 100 online Bible studies, we learned what helps you study the Bible. Bible Cafe™ members have suggested these helpful tips. Arranged from A to Z. These Bible study tips are helpful for beginners and experienced learners. When you share our list of A to Z Bible study tips please remember to attribute the list to our community members! They have experienced what works best for Bible study.

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A-Z BIBLE STUDY TIPS

Always Pray: Before you begin the daily lessons or join small groups, pray. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the key concepts and to help you apply the lesson to your own life.

Apply: To get the most from reading the Bible, learn to apply what you discover. Look for application methods. Pray about the meaning and the application for todays modern world.

Audio Bibles: Download a free audio Bible from BibleGateway.com and listen to the scriptures. You will find this helpful for names and places that are difficult to pronounce. Use it to improve your memory and understanding.

Basket: Keep a study basket with your Bible, notepaper, journal, study book, prayer cards an, color pens and pencils.

Beginning: In the cover of your study book, write the day you are beginning the study. Journal why you decided to study this topic or write a short letter to God.

Comparison: Do your best and do not compare yourself to someone you think has better answers. We each have different experiences and needs. God will speak to each of us in different and unique ways through our study.

Community:  Pray for your Bible study community. The most successful Bible study groups are knitted together through prayer. Write prayer cards for each member of your group, and during the week pray for her by name.

Dates: Place the dates and times you will work on your study into your calendar as an appointment with Jesus. Set alarms and remind you this is an important event.

Expectations: Be careful on your expectations with your Bible studies. There are many study formats and each ministry have a unique method of teaching.  Attend the introduction session or launch party and discover the methods being used.

Falling Behind: If you fall behind on the lessons, come to the groups. You will benefit from the discussion and the focused topic even if you have not read the lesson for the week.  There is no shame in falling behind on the study.

Five Daily Lessons: There are five daily lessons in most Bible study workbooks. Plan to complete one lesson per day Monday through Friday. If you miss a day due to illness or a schedule conflict, you have the weekend to complete the missing lesson.

God: Our focus for each Bible study experience God. Make sure when you read the Bible you look for revelation about God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Learn about His heart and His will. Cultivate a Biblical view that surpasses the temptations of a worldview.

Habit Stacking:  Look at an existing habit you are doing now: such as drinking coffee/tea, feeding the cat, walking the dog, or driving kids to school. Stack your Bible study immediately after the existing habit! This helps you create regular time for God in your daily schedule.

Intentional: Be intentional about your Bible study time. Say no to the worldview distractions of social media and television, until after you have finished your daily Bible lesson. Learn to recognize the voice of God, through reading His Word.

Jesus: Bible study is discovering Jesus through the Old and New Testament. Make room for Him in your life. Seek Jesus and know His voice as you read the red letters.

Journal: Keep a prayer journal, gratitude journal or Scripture journal. Record what God is doing in your life throughout this study.

Kids Are Watching: Your kids (and husband) are watching as you dedicate time to Bible study. They observe your relationship with Jesus and your commitment to learn. They see you make God a priority in your busy life. They watch you chose a Biblical view over a worldview.

Leaders: Do not elevate the leaders or Bible study authors into positions of idolatry. The purpose of Bible study is to draw closer to God, not to an author, ministry, or leader.

Learn: Become a self-feeder of God’s Word. Do not depend on others to keep you accountable.

Memory Verses: Get a 3 x 5 spiral index card system and write down your memory verses. Or record your memory verses with the memo feature on a smart phone. Write then on the bathroom mirror. Make them visible.

Monday Start: Begin the workbook lessons on Monday each week, regardless of when your small group is meeting. This helps you maintain a consistent reading schedule Monday through Friday.

Music: Some women enjoy soothing music as they study and read the Bible. YouTube, Spotify, and streaming music have playlists with “instrumental Christian” music. If you struggle to focus, look for background music specifically designed for ADD/ADHD.

Name: Add your name into the Bible verses and personalize it. For example: (your name) can do all things with Christ who strengthens her.

One: We have an audience of One in prayer and study. An intimate relationship with God is one on one!

Prioritize: If you wait until you are exhausted at the end of the day, your Bible study will not get done. Know when you are most alert and prioritize your time to study during that time each day.

Quiet Places: Sometimes it helps to find a quiet place without interruption. Do not try to study at the kitchen table while your family is watching television.

Quotes: When you find a powerful quote in your Bible or study book, mark the letter Q beside the sentence. At the end of your study, copy those quotes down and share them on social media or in your small group discussions.

Remember: Look for at least one key point to remember each day of your personal Bible study. What is the Lord teaching you today? How can you apply it today? If you journal, write this down: God, what do you want me to remember today?

Research: Sometimes you will want to research a lesson deeper. Use online sites such as BlueLetterBible.org to find original Greek and Hebrew words. You may want to buy a commentary or Strong’s Concordance for home use.

Slow Down: Read and reread the verses until you understand them.  Sometimes you may need to stay on the same page for longer than usual, as you allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the lesson for you.

Small Groups: You’re going to connect with women in small groups and develop friendships! Get a prayer journal or prayer box going and each week write down their names and prayer needs. Begin to celebrate answered prayers, intercede on difficult prayers, and watch Jesus move. This is your spiritual family with sisters in Christ. Get to know them.

Spiritual Warfare: When you draw closer to God through Bible study, the devil comes near to. He will tempt you with discouragement, deception, and distrust. Pray through this and ask your small group to pray for you too.

Theology: You’ll find different theologies in non-denominational study groups. Look for the lowest common denominator where you find agreement. Encourage one another to ask your pastor, priest, minister, or rabbi for further clarification on theological issues.

Tote Bags: If you seem to spend a lot of time waiting (carpool, doctor appointments, kids’ events) then carry a tote bag with your study book, markers, and pens.

Translations: There are numerous Bible translations today. Look at the verses through different translations and see how they are interpreted.  Consider a parallel Bible for long term use.

Unfinished Work: God can teach you things even with unfinished Bible studies. Keep challenging yourself with each new study. God is more interested in time and relationship with you than He is in a perfectly completed workbook!

Verses: When a Bible verse touches your heart, write it down. Anchor yourself to God’s Word.

View: Keep your Bible study materials in view, ready to go. Do not stash them in a corner pile.

Word Associations: Pay attention to the pictures and metaphors used in the Bible. They are helpful tools for remembering and understanding.

X Mark: Use a Bible reading plan and place an X mark on those books which you have studied and read.

Your Own Voice: Use the memo feature on your smartphone and record the Scripture memory verse in your own voice.

Zone: Bible study is a no-shame zone. Share within your comfort level but do not feel that you must expose your deepest secrets online or in person.

Zoom: Remote Bible study groups meet by phone or video, using Zoom. Install the Zoom software on your computer, tablet, or phone before the first meeting. Test the lighting, sound, and background. Watch the tutorials on how to use Zoom.

Related Articles with MORE Bible Study Tips

• A Brief Look at Different Bible Translations
• How to Organize a Prayer Journal
• My First Bible Study
• Simple Method to Organize Prayers

Bible Study Tips

Now that you have read our list of Bible study tips, come learn with us. See how we lead online Bible study and apply these Bible study tips.