For what seems like ages I have been pondering how frequently we should read the Bible. The simple answer is every day; which sounds compelling but runs the risk of falling into legalism. And then I found myself thinking about Dr Anders Ericsson who is the world’s leading expert on experts. In his opinion, what distinguishes the capacity for a first rate performance is not so much experience or raw ability but a commitment to continuous and repetitive ‘deliberate practice’ of difficult tasks and processes. Dr Ericsson notes that the practice, ’should never get easier; if it does you are coasting, not improving.’

What if this applied to Bible reading? That to become proficient in the Bible we to should engage often. Now this isn’t so much to memorise verses, as I believe the key is being open to transformation not just gaining facts.

And then I thought about the old faithful Scripture Union Bible Reading Guides which encourage methodical reading of the scriptures every day. Maybe there is something in that? And now Scripture Union in the UK has created an excellent web based resource to encourage daily engagement called WordLive. Well worth checking out here.

What do you think about the frequency question? As the Spirit leads or disciplined practice?

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check out Mark’s blog at: http://brownblog.info/