Reading can be a peaceful experience but we get distracted often. As a result, we may sometimes feel that reading is a chore. It takes more than just good intentions to stay focused in reading. Luckily, you can train your mind to stay in the present, slow down and take things in, and enjoy reading again.
Before diving into any book, especially Scripture, take a moment to pray. Ask God to clear your mind and help you understand what you’re about to read. A short prayer like, “Lord, help me focus and hear You through these words,” can quiet mental noise and invite the Holy Spirit in. Starting this way turns reading into a spiritual moment, not just a task.
If reading is always the last thing you squeeze into your day, it’s no wonder your mind wanders. Set aside intentional time, morning, lunch, or evening, and treat it like an appointment with God or yourself. You’ll focus better when your mind knows this time matters.
Your phone is probably your biggest reading enemy. Just one notification can snap your attention in half. That’s where Holy Focus can help; it blocks distracting apps and replaces them with prompts to pray or stay in the moment. Whether you’re reading the Bible or a book that feeds your soul, this tool makes it easier to stay locked in.
If your eyes are moving but your brain isn’t absorbing anything, try reading slower or even out loud. This helps your mind stay present and gives your thoughts time to catch up. God isn’t rushing you. Some of the most powerful moments come when you pause, reread, and let the words sink deep.
For a while, I thought I had lost my attention span. Every time I sat down to read, whether it was the Bible or a book, I’d get antsy, distracted, or just plain bored. I’d read a whole page and forget everything I saw. But deep down, I knew the issue wasn’t the book, it was my focus. So I started praying before reading, turning off my phone, and slowing down. That’s also why I built Holy Focus, to help people like me stay centered, block distractions, and make reading sacred again.
I'm a youth pastor. I shared this site with my small group. Not just this page, but the whole site. I loved the prayers that felt natural. Some of my members have been feeling very distracted lately. The young ones, especially. I intend to help them achieve spiritual growth, and this site has helped so much with it. I can feel the positive changes in our members. They're recognizing the things that really matter.
— Matthew
I used to love reading. I can finish a few books in a week. I even picked up the Bible at one point. Then suddenly, that passion just went away when I got older. This post lit that fire in me again. I was reminded that reading is formational and not just productive. I'm on the challenge of turning reading into a sacred rhythm. I thought I've never picked up a book again. Now I do, and it's with joy in my heart.
— Trixie
My attention span has been a wreck because of social media. I've been trying to read the Bible more consistently, but I failed. I thought there was something broken in me. This page helped me realize there isn't. It's just that I need to retrain my mind and habits. The tips were easy to follow, but it also depends on one's willingness to make the changes. The "read aloud" tip worked wonders indeed.
— Joyce
After each section or chapter, take a moment to reflect. What stood out to you? How might God be speaking through this? Journaling a sentence or even just pausing in silence gives your heart space to respond. It’s not about finishing fast, it’s about feeding your spirit.
Reading isn’t just about going line by line, it’s about letting it shape you. Approach your reading sessions with prayer and intention. Let your mind slow down by blocking out the noise. It will take some practice but the results will bring you more peace and joy in reading anything: the Bible, school book, manuals, and others.
These simple habits helped Jesus stay grounded, focused, and close to God and they will transform your daily life.
3 Responses
My attention span has been a wreck because of social media. I’ve been trying to read the Bible more consistently, but I failed. I thought there was something broken in me. This page helped me realize there isn’t. It’s just that I need to retrain my mind and habits. The tips were easy to follow, but it also depends on one’s willingness to make the changes. The “read aloud” tip worked wonders indeed.
I used to love reading. I can finish a few books in a week. I even picked up the Bible at one point. Then suddenly, that passion just went away when I got older. This post lit that fire in me again. I was reminded that reading is formational and not just productive. I’m on the challenge of turning reading into a sacred rhythm. I thought I’ve never picked up a book again. Now I do, and it’s with joy in my heart.
I’m a youth pastor. I shared this site with my small group. Not just this page, but the whole site. I loved the prayers that felt natural. Some of my members have been feeling very distracted lately. The young ones, especially. I intend to help them achieve spiritual growth, and this site has helped so much with it. I can feel the positive changes in our members. They’re recognizing the things that really matter.