Reading the bible should feel like a moment of peace and connection. Unfortunately, it doesn't feel like that all the time. Sometimes, we open our bibles and immediately feel distracted or overwhelmed. The words start to blur together. You may wonder why it's so difficult to focus on something that matters so much. God is patient. He sees your every effort. Reading the bible is about feeding your soul. These five strategies will help you become spiritually awake as you read.
Before diving into Scripture, ask God to help you focus. A simple prayer like, “Lord, help me to hear You clearly in Your Word today,” sets the tone. Inviting the Holy Spirit into your reading time helps shift it from a task to a conversation.
Your surroundings matter. Try to read when your mind is freshest, maybe in the morning or during a quiet break. Choose a space that’s calm and free from noise or clutter. When your body and environment are settled, your spirit can better receive.
Phones are often the #1 reason we lose focus during Bible time. Just one notification can derail your concentration. That’s why the Holy Focus app exists—it blocks distracting apps and replaces them with prompts to pray or reflect. If you’re serious about making Scripture a priority, this is a simple way to protect your time with God.
The goal isn’t to get through the Bible, it’s to get the Bible through you. Slow down. Sit with one verse if that’s all you can take in. Ask questions as you read: What is God showing me? What do I need to apply? Reflection deepens focus.
I wanted to love reading the Bible, but I kept losing focus. My phone would buzz, my mind would wander, or I’d just feel like I wasn’t connecting. I started praying before I opened the Word, setting time limits on my phone, and journaling what I read. Slowly, everything changed. Scripture started speaking to me again. That journey is part of why I created Holy Focus, to help believers like me protect what matters most.
I used to think I was a bad Christian because I couldn't stay focused during our quiet time. I'd read one verse, then suddenly I found myself going back to my phone and thinking about other things. This page gave me so much grace and permission to try again with no shame. I have new tools to help me with my problem. I've started setting a 5-minute timer, and it helped. I felt I was meeting God in the moments I was able to read thoughtfully.
— Jovie
I love reading the bible, but lately it's been so hard to stay engaged... my mind is like in ten places all at once. This article was exactly what I needed. The tips were easy and simple, but powerful, to my surprise. I tried reading them aloud, and it made such a huge difference. It helped me slow down and catch things I've missed before... and there were a lot. This helped me experience that God's word is alive.
— Nora Keeping a Bible journal helps turn reading into engagement. Write down verses, questions, or even how a passage made you feel. When you interact with Scripture this way, it anchors your mind and helps you stay alert to what God might be saying.
Focusing while reading the bible takes a lot of grace and some planning. Every small effort you make to get rid of distractions and open your heart invites God to speak to you more clearly. Don’t be discouraged by slow progress or wandering thoughts. Each verse you read with intention serves as a seed planted in your soul to grow. Stay present and patient. God will meet you in the quiet.
2 Responses
I love reading the bible, but lately it’s been so hard to stay engaged… my mind is like in ten places all at once. This article was exactly what I needed. The tips were easy and simple, but powerful, to my surprise. I tried reading them aloud, and it made such a huge difference. It helped me slow down and catch things I’ve missed before… and there were a lot. This helped me experience that God’s word is alive.
I used to think I was a bad Christian because I couldn’t stay focused during our quiet time. I’d read one verse, then suddenly I found myself going back to my phone and thinking about other things. This page gave me so much grace and permission to try again with no shame. I have new tools to help me with my problem. I’ve started setting a 5-minute timer, and it helped. I felt I was meeting God in the moments I was able to read thoughtfully.