Day 1 · Begin with light
Read Genesis 1:1–5. Notice how the passage moves from darkness to light and from formlessness to naming. Read aloud if that helps you hear its rhythm.
Genesis 1:1–5 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
What changes between the beginning and the end of this passage?
Day 2 · Rest with a familiar psalm
Read Psalm 23 in full. Follow its images: pasture, water, a path, a valley, a table, a house. Notice that the valley is part of the poem, too.
Psalms 23:1–3 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Which image would you like to sit with for a little longer?
Day 3 · Consider trust
Read Proverbs 3:1–8. These verses sit within an instruction about wisdom and faithful living. Consider how the surrounding advice shapes the invitation to trust.
Proverbs 3:5–6 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
What questions does this passage raise about wisdom and understanding?
Day 4 · Listen to the invitation
Read Matthew 11:25–30. Notice who is invited to come and which words describe the speaker. Read “rest” alongside the images of learning and carrying a yoke.
Matthew 11:28–30 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
How do rest and learning sit together in these verses?
Day 5 · Read love in its conversation
Read John 3:1–21. John 3:16 belongs to a larger account involving Nicodemus and questions about new birth. Let that conversation give the familiar words their setting.
John 3:16–17 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
What do you notice when you read the famous verse with the words around it?
Day 6 · Notice the shape of love
Read 1 Corinthians 13 in full. Notice the verbs describing love and how the chapter ends. The surrounding chapters discuss the life of a community, which gives these words a wider setting than a private relationship alone.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Which action in this description of love asks the most of your attention?
Day 7 · Look back, then choose a next step
Read Romans 15:4–7. Look back over your notes from the week. Choose one question worth exploring and one book you would like to keep reading.
You might continue in John, spend a week with the Psalms, or reread one chapter slowly. Returning to a passage is a meaningful way to read.
Romans 15:4 · KJV
Read the chapter in context ↗4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
What would you like your next week of reading to make room for?
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