HEAR JOURNALING METHOD

We recommend journaling using the HEAR method. It promotes reading the Bible with a life-transforming purpose.

HEAR stands for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. Each of these four steps helps create an atmosphere to hear God speak.

Highlight

• The name of the book
• The passage of scripture
• The chapter and verse
• numbers that speak to you
• A title to describe the passage

Explain

• Why was this text written?
• To whom was it originally written?
• How does this text fit in with the verses before and after it?
• Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?
• What does the Holy Spirit intend to communicate through this text?

Apply

• What does this text teach me about God?
• What does this passage mean today?
• What would the application of this passage look like in my life?
• Does the text identify an action or attitude to avoid or embrace?
• What is God saying to me?

Respond

• Write a call to action.
• Write about how you will different because of what God has said to you today.
• Indicate what you are going to do because of what you have learned.
• Write a prayer to God based on what you’ve just read.