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Spiritual Reading

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Spiritual Reading

The question

I am a Christian Orthodox born and raised, yet not so familiar with the texts, just certain quotes. I have experienced loss of faith in my teen years trying to return to spirituality, but many of the advice on where to read and the methods well does not really agree with me. Many of my deacon brothers have suggested how to read the scripture, one beginning with the psalms, another advised me to read from Luke, Acts, and then the other Gospels followed by the letters of St. Paul. They have also suggested reading each chapter three times, in order to get to grasps with it; I guess the way they were told. I'm trying to pray which also involves reading the psalms in my prayer book, but then I feel the need to re-read the passages I was told to read. I would like to ask you to help me with a reading plan on how to study the text, in order to really grow spiritually.

The answer

I advise you to begin reading the Holy Bible starting with the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Each of the Gospel writers has a certain style and perception, as well as, addresses different audiences at that time. Thus by, beginning here, you embark on the journey by first meeting with our Lord Jesus Christ, in the same manner as His disciples and followers did. Once you have finished these readings, then proceed to the Holy Book of Acts, which was also written by St. Luke. This book is very informative and explanatory of the formation and foundation of the early church. St. Paul's letters (Pauline Epistles) address different cities and different people that needed specific instructions on spiritual and doctrinal matters in the early church. The universal letters (Catholic Epistles) written by various apostles address universal issues of Christian life and various circumstances. You may then read the Holy Book of Revelation, and thus, you will have completed the New Testament. Once completed, begin the Old Testament starting with the Holy Book of Genesis. The Old Testament is not in chronological order, but the books are grouped together according to their specific theme. It is best to use the Orthodox Study Bible since it also contains the important books better known as the Deuterocanonical Books. Read as much as you can in the Holy Scripture. It is not a race. Savor each word and see if there is a personal message for you in your spiritual life. 

 

The link below is for the online Holy Bible Study on the Diocese website. Although it is usually streamlined on Wednesdays, the studies are saved and put online inclusive of a PowerPoint presentation:

   

http://www.suscopts.org/diocese/bishop/bible-study/

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

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Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1695 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.