An idea to try for your Quiet Time

If you have a Quiet Time (or "devotional", a time set aside everyday to be in the Word and in prayer), you might try a little variety and stretch the ways you look at Scripture according to the different learning styles. We tend to read Scripture according to our natural learning style, and miss out on how other learning styles can focus on aspects of truth that our own style might miss.

I'm not talking about a "reader response," where everyone determines "what Scripture means to me." Each passage of Scripture means one thing, but the depth and breadth of that one meaning cannot be contained in just one style.

I've tried doing this off and on, and have learned a lot about the Word that I would not have otherwise.

Verbal / linguistic: VL learners learn primarily through words in written form. They like to do word studies or see how the grammar conveys meaning. They need to read to learn best. Even if this is not your style, try taking a key word from a passage and studying it. Use a Bible dictionary, a concordance, or Bible software to see the range of meaning and how else it's used in Scripture.

Logical / mathematical: LM learners like numbers, patterns, and logic. They analyze the meaning and the structure of things. They like theological implications, and learn best when they see it all come together. Try looking for conceptual patterns in a passage, or look for how one thing is compared to another. Look for how the author logically develops his point.

Visual / spatial: VS learners have to see it in order to know it. They think more in pictures and images. Even if you're not artistic, try drawing the meaning of the passage, or one element of the passage. Visualize what the scene must have been like. Look for visual descriptions or items in the passage. Search the internet for pictures that convey the meaning of the text.

Rhythmic / musical: RM learners have to hear it, especially if it's music or poetry. Lots of kids' songs teach this way - and it's amazing to see how much kids can learn through a song. RM's get as much or more out of the worship music than the sermon. Find songs that are based on the passage you're looking at, or songs that convey the meaning. Then with the song, explore the passage. Look for auditory events in the passage - a voice, a sound. Imagine the sound effects if the scene were played out in a movie. Find a psalm that relates to the passage and read it through.

Body / kinesthetic: BK learners have to move or touch in order to learn. They learn by doing. They learn better when they are not forced to sit still while learning, even if it's just fiddling with a rubber band in their hand. Look in the passage for all the movement that occurs. Consider how to "do" what the passage says rather than intellectually inspect it. Sometimes, I'll use Playdough to fashion something from the passage just to engage my hands in the learning process.

Interpersonal: Interpersonal learners learn in groups and by discussing. How about doing part of your Quiet Time with someone else? Or, after having your QT, make it a habit to discuss what you're studying with someone else. When you read alone, imagine how you would discuss this passage with someone else. Also, look in the passage for relational elements - how the passage affects relationships.

Intrapersonal: Intrapersonal learners learn by being alone and having time to process. They don't say much when the teacher asks for an immediate response, but give them time to ponder and write out their thoughts, they usually have more to say. They reflect inward in order and see how the Word affects them personally, and learn when they see that connection. Take time to just be alone with the Word, not writing, not praying, but just contemplating the meaning, examining yourself against the word. This requires a distraction-free environment to be effective.

Don't try to do all things every time. Mix it up. In fact, I will take one passage and spend one day looking at it one way, and then another day looking at it another way, taking an entire week for just one passage. I find that to be a very rich exercise. Then, after a few months, I set that aside and go about Quiet Time in a different manner.

What I have found is that I understand God's Word more richly, more deeply, and more broadly than if I stick only with my natural learning styles (I'm a LM and VL). I've even had fresh ideas for teaching that connect more readily with those who have a different learning style than I do.

Jesus told us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. I've found that using the different learning styles helps me do just that.

Also, if you scour 1 John 1:1-4, you can find all 7 learning styles. Look for them!