When HPUMC began our current Bible Reading Plan, “Letters from Prison,” Cheryl Meadows decided to take one of the booklets home and read along. However, she wouldn’t be doing it by herself.

Encouraged by Bibles and Biscuits, a morning devotional time held each week for middle school students and their parents, Cheryl and her son chose to read and discuss the Bible passages together.

“It’s given us another opportunity to connect throughout our busy day,” Cheryl said. “We’re finding that in the car, on our way to school or dinner, is a great opportunity to read the passages and connect as a family.”

Reading the Bible together has had several benefits for the Meadows family.

“It’s given us each a different viewpoint of how Scripture is interpreted by someone else,” Cheryl said. “It also helps us remember to do the reading, be engaged in that moment, and be accountable for the reading every week.”

Before Cheryl and her son began reading “Letters from Prison,” they got some great tips from Elliott Gonzalez, HPUMC’s Pastor to Youth and Their Families. His advice?

Read slowly, one line at a time. Then try to answer the question in three parts:

  • What is God saying?
  • What are other people saying?
  • What am I hearing?

So, what would Cheryl tell those that are considering jumping in?

“Try just one day at a time and build from there to make it a habit. If you miss a day, it’s okay to start where you left off the next day.”

She also suggested inviting a family member or friend to join you and find a time of day when you can consistently read and talk about the verses.

“I really enjoy hearing what my teenage son is hearing and understanding through reading the Scripture,” Cheryl said. “Reading as a group has brought us closer to God as a family each day.”