You may have heard of several different Bible study methods. Some examples of the one’s out there are: H.E.A.R., S.O.A.P., Verse Mapping, 5 P’s, A.P.P.L.E., and there are many more.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter which one you choose to use. The important thing is just that you study the Bible! Choose a method that is comfortable for you and easy to use. The easier to use, the more you’ll stick with it. Using a specific method when studying the Word will help you dig a little deeper and help you to retain what you’ve read.
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This post is all about using the H.E.A.R. Bible study method. It’s one of my favorites! I’ve even created a free printable for you to try it out (get by email below), and I’ve published an actual book journal that is available on Amazon!
I’ll do some posts on other study methods in the future, but for now, let’s dig into the H.E.A.R. method.
About H.E.A.R.
The H.E.A.R. Bible study method was developed by Robby Gallaty, a pastor and author, as part of his book “Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples.” The book outlines the H.E.A.R. method as a practical way for Christians to study and apply Scripture to their lives.
This method is designed to help you grow closer to God and become more like Jesus through regular study of His Word.
What does H.E.A.R. stand for?
The acronym H.E.A.R. stands for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond.
First, you highlight key verses or phrases that stand out to you.
Then, you explain the meaning of the passage and any historical or cultural context.
Next, you apply the passage to your life and consider how you can put it into action.
Finally, you respond to God through prayer, asking for guidance and thanking Him for His Word.
Let’s break these down a little more:
Highlight
Highlight His Word. The first step is to read your passage, then notice what stands out to you in the passage you’re reading. Maybe there’s a particular phrase or word that catches your attention. Maybe there’s a theme that runs throughout the passage. Whatever it is, jot it down under the H section of your journal.
Explain
Explain it. In this section, you’re going to dig a little deeper into the passage to understand what it’s really saying. You can use study tools like commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and concordances to help you with this. Try to answer questions like:
- What’s the context of this passage?
- What is the author trying to communicate?
- What does this passage teach me about God?
Apply
Apply it. Now it’s time to take what you’ve learned and apply it to your own life. Ask yourself and make note of things like:
- What does this passage mean for me?
- How can I live out the truths it contains?
- Is there a sin I need to confess in prayer?
- Is there a change I need to make?
Respond
Respond in prayer. Finally, in this step, you’re going to respond to what you’ve learned in prayer. Talk to God about what you’ve read and ask Him to help you apply it to your life. You can also journal additional thoughts and prayers to help you process what you’ve learned.
Reasons To Use H.E.A.R.
Now that you know the basics of H.E.A.R., let’s talk about why it’s such a great Bible study method.
First of all, it’s simple and easy to remember. All you need is your Bible and a pen, along with something to write on. You can use a plain piece of paper or use the freebie printable from above.
If you find that like using this method, consider getting the fun, Planted In Faith gardening themed journal now available on Amazon. 🙂
Second, it’s flexible. You can use it with any passage of Scripture, whether it’s a few verses or a whole chapter. You can use this method when doing a more structured Bible study, for instance, you want to study women in the Bible or you’re studying signs of the end times. Or you can use when you just pick a random passage to read and want to find out what it has for you that day.
And finally, this method is effective. By following the four simple steps, you’ll be able to really engage with the Bible and apply its truths to your life.
Example H.E.A.R. Study
So, now you know what the H.E.A.R. Bible study method is and why it’s helpful to use. But how do you actually use H.E.A.R. in your quiet time? I learn best by seeing an example, so here’s an example of H.E.A.R. using Psalm 23:
Highlight: In this passage, the phrase “The Lord is my shepherd” stands out to me.
Explain: The metaphor of God as a shepherd was common in the Old Testament. Shepherds were responsible for leading and protecting their sheep, and in the same way, God leads and protects His people. This passage also emphasizes God’s provision and care for us.
Apply: As I read this passage, I’m reminded that I can trust God to guide me and take care of me. This passage reminds me that God is in control and will provide for me. I also need to remember that my role is to follow Him, just like a sheep follows its shepherd.
Respond: Thank you, God, for being my shepherd and taking care of me. Please help me trust you more and worry less. Help me follow you and obey you in everything.
See how simple that was? By following these four steps, you can really dig into Scripture and get more out of your time with God. And the best part is, you can use H.E.A.R. with any passage of Scripture – whether it’s a familiar one like Psalm 23 or a more challenging one like Revelation.
I love H.E.A.R. because it’s so simple and practical. And I’ve found that the more I use it, the more I grow in my relationship with God and the more I understand His Word.
Tips for Getting Started
Here are a few tips to get started with H.E.A.R. for yourself:
- Start small: Don’t try to tackle a whole book of the Bible at once. Start with a short passage, like a few verses or a chapter, and work your way up.
- Use a journal: Writing down your thoughts and prayers can help you process what you’ve learned and make it more personal.
- Be consistent: Try to make Bible study a regular part of your routine. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, it’s better than nothing!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling to understand a passage or apply it to your life, ask a friend or mentor for guidance. You can also use study resources like commentaries or Bible study guides.
Remember, the goal of Bible study is not just to gain knowledge, but to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand everything right away. Keep seeking God through His Word, and He will reveal Himself to you in new and amazing ways.
I hope this post has encouraged you to try out the H.E.A.R. Bible study method and dive deeper into God’s Word. Happy studying!