How can I focus when reading the scriptures?

I've been reading the Bible daily most of my life and still occasionally have that problem. What works for me then is to stand and read it aloud like a teacher in front of a class. I learn much faster by seeing and hearing, so vocalize the Word often anyway. A second method is to always read a daily through-the-bible passage at a set time of day, at 5 AM for me. Making a habit of it really helps stay with it easier. I'm on two plans. One covers the whole Bible once a year. Another covers the NT 3 times a year. My biggest problem with straight reading is going off on tangents, turning readings into studies by following references.

@;"I know the Devil is drawing me away from doing what I'm supposed to do. So, how can I stop it and focus on what I'm reading?"

Hey, I'm proud of you for recognizing the obvious.

He is always on his job.

Choose a subject instead of random reading.

Only choose the "Sabbath day" to read seriously:

Follow the ways of the Messiah on this one:

Just look how many scriptures speak about attending on Saturday, [Sabbath]...or reading on the Sabbath. These were His activities on that day.

Even this would be a great study in itself.

We should be followers of the Messiah on this.

Also the Apostles.

Matthew 2: 1,2,5,8,10-12.

Matthew 24:20.

Matthew 28:1.

Mark 1:21

Mark 2: 23-24, 27-28.

Mark 3:2,4.

Mark 6:2.

Mark 15: 42.

Mark 16:1.

Luke 4: 16, 31.

Luke 6: 1-2, 5-6,7,9.

Luke 13: 10, 15-16.

Luke 14: 1,3,5.

Luke 23: 54, 56.

John 5: 9-10, 16,18.

John 7: 22-23.

John 9: 14, 16, 31.

After the Resurrection of the Lord, the Apostles kept Sabbath reading.

Acts 1:12.

Acts 13: 14, 27, 42, 44.

Acts 15: 21.

Acts 16: 13.

Acts 17: 2.

Acts 18:4.

Find your focus:

Blesses.

I like the morning, although I am NOT a morning type person and my wife is.....well you can guess. Some people study by topic, like Adam, and will read all the verses that have to do with .... Another way (some cringe) is to mark and color up your scriptures. They buy cheep copies and do so, and than with the next year they start over with another Bible. This makes them yours. After you read some passage, pause and contemplate, if you receive inspiration you write it in the margin to later remember what brought the thought. Get a Bible dictionary, not a commentary (until you are well versed {pun}), for words and phrases you come across (Like in Isaiah). Find out what it means to you, rather that, at first, what someone else said it means. And finally, a very effective way. You get a binder and paper, read a verse and write what you think it means, the next verse, and so on.

What's the alternative ? The atheists bible ? If you've ever wondered whether you were the only non-believer in the world; a closet heretic like me, then this book will be a God-send (oops!) for you. Atheists, you can come out now and join the company of Lord Byron, Mark Twain, Thomas Paine, George Bernard Shaw, Gertrude Stein,

Just kidding Read your Bible as much as you can and when your tired or distracted put it down,...it will still be there

So when you are reading, that little voice -your subconcious wanders off... but when you read, read with your conscience too, you know what i mean? Like 100% read it, with your mind and have no distractions... Bury your head in the bible and just read it :) You have to find an excerpt you really like at first.. so it has meaning to you and its easier to keep in focus and understand. You can start off with a PSALM or PROVERBS... those always get you started

1) When you pray, ask God to help you pay attention.

2) Go to a quiet place to study.

3) Deal with problems before you start reading.

4) Read with someone so you have to pay attention.

It's good you sought Prayer before Reading, I would add that you try studying with Brother or Sister from Church, after all, JESUS said where 2 or more are gathered together in My name, I am there in The Midst of them. By having a Study Partner, you are more apt to feed and learn from one another, not to mention stand in prayer of Agreement, for your encouragement & enrichment of GOD's Word. In the Mean time, I too, will pray for your Understanding and Focus as well.. Be Blessed and do not get discouraged, you were right about the enemy trying to distract you.. Just look at what that person "Newly Born" wrote.. Have you ever seen something so hillariously amusing, yet a mockery of The Word of GOD.. I guess it takes all kinds.. GOD Shall not be Mocked - Gal. 6

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 ¶ Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 ¶ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

@Newly Born.. True to your name, you left off the word unintelligent. Normally I would bypass a comment like yours, but the fact you spent all that typing and every bit of it was wrong is truly amusing, You obviously enjoy being satan's pawn, so ready to tear down what you have absolutely no understanding about. The Bible is in no way shape or form, is advocating cannibalism, let alone the far lengths you chose to over exaggerate, maybe you should be a fiction writer cause you are full of the worlds stuff. Anyhow, if you want to truly debate, I am more than happy to oblige, but lets get one thing straight.. GO BACK AND RE-READ THE REAL BIBLE, not that hog-wash you are spewing from..

its good u want to read the bible. u must have an objective when reading it like: what does this tell me about God, why did He respond that way, what example does this set for me, what is His qualities, how did an imperfect person deal with this trial or failed at his/her assignment?

it is also good to read an easy to read bible with modern day language. we don't speak in the 'king's language' anymore. i personally us the New World Translation.

i hope this helps. Happy reading!

This happens to me sometimes. I suggest praying before reading. Ask God to help you understand what you are reading. Clear your mind because that is more important.

Question: Do you think that, if you were actually reading the very words written by a supreme supernatural being who created the universe, your mind would even BE ABLE to wander? What does it tell you about the reading material if it can't even hold your attention?

Your intellect is trying to tell you something. Maybe you should listen.