Incarnational Reading
Incarnational reading is the most dramatic and enduring of all types of reading. Incarnational reading refers to taking the Word of God to the level of the heart resulting not only in changed living, but changed relationships. One form of a changed relationship comes in truly knowing God.
"With all my heart I have sought You:
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You."
—Psalm 119:10-11
"The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.
—Psalm 119:57-58
When incarnational reading takes place the reader believes without hesitation that God is speaking. He or she "hears" the voice of God.
The key to grasping incarnational reading is in understanding that the Bible is, in fact, the very words of God, relevant and applicable to the reader today. As the writer of Hebrews wrote,
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
—Hebrews 4:12
One of the best ways to attain incarnational reading is to journal one's thoughts as he or she reflects on the Word of God. [See Chapter 7 • Journaling.]