6 Ways the Scriptures invite us to Ask Questions

Scripture reading can be very much like a conversation.  At the heart of any good conversation is a really good question.  As we seek to develop a practice of daily Bible reading, we must remind ourselves that what we really seek is to be in communion with God.  So as you commune and converse with God, here are six ways the scriptures may be inviting you to go deeper by asking different kinds of questions.

1) Ask Narrative Questions.  The scriptures simply invite us to ask "what is going on here?"  In this most basic approach, our goal is to understand more fully how the text we are reading fits into the grand narrative of the Bible's 66 books.  Where are we in the timeline of God's story?  Who is doing what to whom?  What actually took place? Why?  What is going to happen next?

2) Ask Theological Questions:  Theological questions lead us to consider what the scriptures are inviting us to believe about God.  These questions will frequently cause us to wonder "What does this tell me about: Who God is? What God is like?  What God desires?"  

3) Ask Personal Questions:  While the scriptures can give us details and information, they are primarily a source of revelation.  They reveal to us much about who God is, and they also reveal to us much about ourselves.  Asking personal questions while reading scripture may look like wondering about which character do I most relate to? Why does this passage bring me comfort?  What is it about this reading that is stirring up my soul?  How do I connect to this story? 

4) Ask God's Questions:  Jesus frequently interacts with His followers by posing a question.  These questions can lead us on a journey of discovery and transformation.  As you read the scriptures, invite God to reveal to you the question He is asking you today.  It may be that you are being asked "Who do you say I am?" or "What is in your hand?"  or even "Do you want to be healed?"  What is the question God is bringing to light as you spend time with Him in the scriptures?

5) Ask Request Questions: Matthew 7:7 says "Ask and it will be given to you."  This is a bold statement, and certainly not to be treated as an invitation to reduce God as the provider of our every request.  However, as we spend time in the scriptures we should feel the safety and encouragement to ask of God what He is showing us we need.  It would seem right to ask God for His love as we read through 1 Cor 13.  It is wise to ask God for eyes to see His glory as we read through the gospels.  It is right that we would ask to see the goodness of His creation as we dive into Genesis 1.  What is it that the scriptures are showing you to seek of the Lord?

6) Ask Corporate Questions:  I don't mean corporate in the sense of big business, rather the scriptures invite us to ask questions that are common to all of humankind.  What are the issues that connect us all in community that this passage is bringing to mind?  How am I drawn in closer union with Christ and His body through this word?  What is the great need of all people? Who is my neighbour? What grace is being offered for my neighbour and me?  

Matthew 7:8 (NIV)