9 Powerful Ways to Study the Bible: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Going Deeper with God
If you’re a woman longing to grow in your walk with God, but unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Life is full of demands—from work, family, and daily responsibilities—but your time with God doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the Word of God invites us to draw near, and there are several ways to study the Bible that make it not only doable but life-giving.
Whether you’re looking to start a Christian morning devotion routine, deepen your faith, or stay consistent in your quiet time, this blog post will walk you through 9 powerful methods to help you get started going deeper with God today.
1. Verse-by-Verse Study
How to study the Bible verse by verse
This method involves reading a few verses at a time and carefully examining the meaning, background, and message behind each one. This method is good to do when you have more time to dedicate to your daily devotion routine. It helps you meditate deeply on the Word of God.
How to do it:
Choose a short passage (like 3–5 verses)
Read it slowly multiple times
Highlight words that stand out
Look up definitions, cross-references, or cultural context
Write down personal insights
Scripture Example:
Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”
Break this down word by word. Ask: What does “with thanksgiving” mean here? How does this apply to my anxiety today?
Why it works:
This method keeps you grounded in truth and helps you hear God’s voice through the details of His Word.
2. Topical Study
Bible study for women
A topical Bible study allows you to explore what Scripture says about a specific issue, emotion, or theme. This is especially helpful when you’re navigating life’s challenges. Topical study helps you discern what is actual truth according to the Bible about a particular situation.
How to do it:
Pick a topic (peace, identity, forgiveness, faith, etc.)
Use a Bible concordance or app to gather 10–15 verses on that topic
Write each verse in a notebook
Ask: What does this verse teach me? How can I live it out?
Scripture Example:
Studying peace, you might reflect on Isaiah 26:3:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are minds are steadfast, s teadfast, because they trust in you.”
What does it mean to have a steadfast mind? This method helps you apply biblical truth directly to your current situation.
Why it works:
It’s practical and relevant. You’ll see how Scripture speaks directly to your circumstances.
3. Character Study
How to study Bible characters
Studying the lives of biblical figures gives you insight into human nature and God’s redemptive plan. It also should help guide you into making better choices because it shows you the mistakes of one’s from the past.
How to do it:
Choose a character (Esther, David, Hannah, Mary)
Read every Scripture reference related to them
Journal their strengths, weaknesses, and encounters with God
Reflect on how their journey mirrors your own
Scripture Example:
Esther 4:14
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Study how Esther used courage and obedience in the face of fear—and how God placed her in position to impact others.
Why it works:
It makes your Bible study relatable. You’ll see God’s faithfulness through real-life stories of people like you.
4. Book Study
How to study a book of the Bible
Book studies are ideal if you want to learn the big picture of Scripture and understand the message within its original context.
Right now as I write this I am reading 2 Samuel. I started reading because I had Watched a couple episodes of “The House of David” on Amazon and I wanted to know the full true story of David. I quickly saw how things had been changed.
Always remember to read the Bible for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
How to do it:
Choose a book (start with a shorter one like James or Philippians)
Read one chapter per day
Write down the main theme and what God is saying to you
Pray through key verses and ask for application
Scripture Example:
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
In a book study of James, this verse becomes a recurring challenge—to not just read but live the Word.
Why it works:
It helps you build context and makes your time in the Word more structured and comprehensive.
5. Inductive Bible Study
Inductive Bible study method
The inductive method leads you to discover truth for yourself through three simple steps: Observe, Interpret, Apply. This method is similar to the SOAP method that I will mention next. You really have to meditate and be silent when practicing this method.
How to do it:
Observe – What does the verse say?
Interpret – What does it mean?
Apply – What does this mean for my life?
Scripture Example:
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
Observe: What are the 4 uses of Scripture listed?
Interpret: Why are they important?
Apply: How can I allow the Word to correct or teach me today?
Why it works:
It trains you to think biblically and draw your own Spirit-led conclusions.
6. SOAP Method
SOAP Bible study method for beginners
SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer—a simple framework perfect for your Christian morning devotion routine.
How to do it:
S – Scripture: Write out the verse
O – Observation: What stands out?
A – Application: What will I do with this truth?
P – Prayer: Write a prayer asking God to help you live it out
Scripture Example:
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
O: God’s Word gives direction
A: I’ll read before decisions
P: “Lord, guide me with Your light today…”
Why it works:
It’s quick, effective, and focused—perfect for busy women who want consistency.
7. Devotional Journaling
Bible study journaling for women
This is a creative and heart-centered approach to studying Scripture by writing what God is showing you. Devotional journaling is how I spend most of my days with Jesus. It feels most normal and natural to me.
How to do it:
Read a short devotional or Bible verse
Write how it applies to your current season
Reflect, respond, and write a prayer
Scripture Example:
Lamentations 3:22–23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His mercies are new every morning…”
Write about how you’ve experienced God’s mercy. Journal the emotions and gratitude that rise as you reflect.
Why it works:
It makes your devotional time intimate and meaningful, helping you connect your feelings with your faith.
8. Verse Mapping
How to do verse mapping
Verse mapping is a visual method that breaks down one verse into parts to uncover its full meaning. This is the one method I have not used but I plan on doing it soon.
How to do it:
Choose a verse
Write it in the center of your page
Highlight and define key words
Look up Greek/Hebrew meanings
Draw connections and related verses
Scripture Example:
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Break down: What does “conform” mean? What is “renewing the mind”? Map it out visually to get the full depth.
Why it works:
Great for visual learners and creatives—it brings the verse to life in a new way.
9. Bible Reading Plans
Christian Bible reading plans for beginners
If you struggle with consistency, a reading plan helps you stay on track and make Bible study a daily habit.
How to do it:
Use the YouVersion or other Bible apps; print a 30-day plan
Use the Choose Him 30 Day or other devotionals
Set a specific time each day (like during your Christian morning devotion routine)
Highlight one takeaway each day
Pair it with a journal or prayer
Scripture Example:
Day 1 of a plan on faith:
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance things not seen,about what we do not see.”
Write your reflections and what you’re hoping for in this season.
Why it works:
It removes guesswork and keeps you accountable.
Here are some of my favorite Bibles:
Final Thoughts: There’s No “One Right Way” to Study the Bible
The best way to study the Bible is the one that helps you stay consistent and close to God. Whether you prefer a structured plan, creative journaling, or deep diving into verses, the goal is the same: to hear God’s voice and grow in your faith.
Start Your Bible Study Journey Today
Want a simple way to begin? Download our Free Guide Daily Choices to Strengthen Your Faith or explore our 30-Day Devotional designed specifically for new and rededicated Christian women who want a stronger walk with God.
