Denver Seminary

Formational reading, on the other hand, intentionally seeks to transform the reader as the Holy Spirit opens the text and applies it to our hearts. Not we but Christ the Teacher is in control of formative reading. To engage in formational reading, recite the chosen passage several times slowly and prayerfully. Savor the text and grasp its intended meaning both for the original recipients and for us today. Attend to what God is saying through the sacred words, and ask the Spirit to enable us respond appropriately. Allow the reading to lead us into prayer as we lift up what we have read to God. We may wish to enter insights received into our journal.

British evangelical, Peter Toon, observes that “psychologically formative reading provides a delightful respite from the dry labor of discursive meditation.” May our delight be like that of the prophet Isaiah who wrote:

“The Sovereign LORD has given me an
          Instructed tongue,
To know the word that sustains the
          weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
          wakens my ear to listen like one
                    being taught” (Isa. 50:4)