Staying Focused

I am not sure about you, but some days I feel like I have the attention span of a 5 year old.

I have found this to be true a number of times when I am reading God's Word. I will start off focused, but before I know it I begin to wander. My mind goes everywhere from thinking through the demands of the day to drifting off into random thoughts. Obviously, this is not very conducive to the study of God's Word.

If you find yourself in a similar predicament, let me make a suggestion. Read the bible out loud.

Over the last couple of days I diverged from the Prayer Through the Word Reading Plan, and spent some time reading Ephesians. I looked at Ephesians 1-3 last night, and Ephesians 4-6 this morning. What I found most beneficial was reading the Word out loud. It kept me focused and made me think more about what it was like for Paul's audience to hear this letter when it was read at the church in Ephesus.

So, if your mind starts to wander as you read, try reading out loud.

What tips have you found to be helpful in keeping you focused during your time in the Word?

Richard Carwile
Adult Discipleship Pastor