Handwriting Scripture – Practical Steps

              Last time I encouraged you to consider the practice of hand-copying Scripture. I was encouraged to hear from many of you that you already practice this discipline. As more of you consider the practice, let me offer you a few practical suggestions. Remember, I’m learning as I go. I do think there are some best practices to consider.

  1. Start Small – As I began this discipline, I dedicated myself to a few of the smaller books. I tackled Philemon first and followed that with John’s three epistles. After completing those, I have started on the Gospel of John
  2. Choose your pen – Like an artist choosing the perfect brush that fits his hand, you will need a quality pen. Research the types of pens that work. They must fit well in your hand, be easy to grip, and smoothly glide over paper. Currently, I am using a Sharpie S-Gel pen. Thus far, I have enjoyed the feel of the pen and the results of using it.
  3. Choose your journal – For me, this was the least important. I found a few free journals at a pastor’s conference I attended, and they seem to work well for me. You need to find a journal that allows you to write. A few people enjoy writing on a flat surface and adding the paper to a binder after it’s full. For others, the journal is very important. Again, do a little research and find out what works for you.
  4. Little is much – I think this is a practice where a little goes a long way. I have found that about 10-15 minutes is a sweet spot for me. You will need to figure out the time frame that works for you. I’m praying God will give me enough time to complete the New Testament and hopefully even the Old Testament.
  5. Be flexible – When I started this process, I wrote everything in black ink. As I transition to the gospels, I’ve decided to use a red pen for the words of Christ. I have found this to slow me down even more, but it brings the words of Jesus to life. Learn as you go.
  6. Reward – The reward you are seeking is time with God and a deeper appreciation for Scripture.

Handwriting Scripture – Part One

              Whether you’ve been a Christian for a year or twenty, if you are like me, you are always looking for ways to grow in your knowledge and love for Jesus. A year or so ago, I began hand-copying Scripture and would like to commend the practice to you. I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be, yet, but I’m finding this discipline increasingly useful and fruitful. Let me offer you four thoughts for your consideration.

              Honestly, I’m stumbling through this newer discipline in my life as I’m not as consistent as I would like. Heidi and I worked to memorize Psalm 1, which promises blessings to the person who meditates on the Lord’s instruction. Therefore, to help my meditation on God’s Word, I began to handwrite Scripture.

Here are four reasons I have enjoyed copying Scripture. First, it slows me down and allows me to meditate upon the Word. As you hand-copy, you notice every letter, every comma, and every period. I can almost see the Apostle writing with me. Next, slowing down allows me to linger in God’s presence. I often find myself hurrying from one thing to another. However, I cannot rush through copying the Bible. As I copy, I feel the joy and presence of God. It is a sweet time that invigorates me and causes me immense joy. Furthermore, copying Scripture allows me to see elements of Scripture that a person may miss by simply reading. This morning, for instance, I copied an exclamation point. As I wrote it, I realized the force with which it was intended. It was a subtle yet meaningful observation that brought more light to the verse. Finally, copying Scripture will allow me to leave a legacy for my grandchildren. I don’t have a large inheritance to leave my family. But what I can leave is a love of Scripture. As they look back on the copies Pops created, they will know of my love for the Bible. That is not a bad legacy to leave. Next time, I’ll offer practical suggestions on how to begin the process.