Advice to Get You Started in the Word (By Rev. Susan Salo)

True confession: I am not a morning person.

I am usually having a late breakfast just about the time most other folks would be settling into their favorite pew, just before the announcements and starting the first hymn. Before that late breakfast, I have typically had my first cup of coffee, and have read some chunks of Scripture, discussed same with my husband, and gone on to morning prayer, using either the BAS, or the BCP. (My "go-to" mp is the family prayer at the back of the BCP.) This is used as a way of telling Jesus what we are thankful for, what help we think we need for the coming day, lifting the many people we know who are needful of Jesus' touch of mercy and grace, and ending with "the grace".

We have been thankful for the luxury of time to do these things in retirement. Now, because of social isolation and working from home, or even being laid off from work, many other people have the opportunity to read, and think about, the Bible. I encourage you to do this. If you're not sure how to get started, please consider these few bits of advice: get a Bible translation that you can understand. The Bible was written in ancient languages (at least two), and has been translated into English for many generations, so if the one you have isn't helpful, check out others. There are free Bible aps available able that can give you access to lots of them. The one we use at St. Aidan's is the NIV (New International Version), it's good. I have given many copies of NLT (New Living Translation) Bibles to new Christians, because it smooths out some of the awkward language but maintains the the essential meaning.

Then, I would tell you to start with the Gospels, Mark is shortest, and please take advantage of the "helps" in your Bible, starting with the index (I still use mine for the more obscure Old Testament prophets). Now the adventure begins! The Psalms express our deepest emotions in prayer. There are stories, scandals, saints and sinners. Persistence helps, but the great thing is that Jesus WANTS us to read the Bible, and he WANTS us to learn about him and so he sends the Holy Spirit to help us. Isn't that great?
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"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Colossians 1:9.