A staff report
An effective Bible study method known as the Five P’s, developed by Priscilla Shirer has been shared. This approach is particularly appealing for several reasons: it requires no additional resources and imposes no strict timelines for completing sections of the Bible.
Many reading plans can either feel overwhelming or insufficient, but Shirer’s method allows individuals to progress at their own pace, making it also suitable for group studies. For example, when preparing for meetings with a spiritual mentor, this method proves very practical.
The flexibility of the Five P’s allows a person to study anywhere from two to ten verses based on their preference and the particular scripture section. This method encourages personal application, making the scripture relevant to one’s current circumstances. Over time, new insights can emerge from the same passages, contrasting with more rigid study guides that may lead to predetermined conclusions.
Before delving into this method, it’s worth considering insights from Dan Kimball’s book, “How (Not) to Read the Bible,” which introduces important filters for biblical interpretation, highlighting that the Bible, seen as a library rather than a single book, contains narratives that point towards Jesus and fit within a larger story.
Here’s a breakdown of Priscilla Shirer’s Five P’s:
1. Position yourself to hear from God.
2. Pour over the passage and paraphrase the major points.
3. Pull out the spiritual principles.
4. Pose the questions.
5. Plan obedience and pin down the date.
To illustrate how to apply these steps, consider Exodus 14:13-14, where Moses assures the Israelites of God’s deliverance from the Egyptians, emphasizing the need for faith over fear.
The initial steps involve finding a quiet place and praying for insight before reading the passage multiple times, possibly using tools like Bible Gateway to explore different translations. This thorough reading helps to identify key principles and apply them personally.
Questions posed should enhance understanding of the context and encourage personal reflection on trust in divine providence.
Planning a response might start with a prayer, leading to further actions as prompted. The response should be personal, reflecting a commitment to trust and observe God’s work without interference.
Shirer’s method, enriched by her insights on obedience and trust during a conference, emphasizes that God’s words are meant for action, not just hearing. This method encourages a deeper, more reflective engagement with the Bible, aiming to understand and apply its teachings authentically.
For those new to this approach, Shirer has developed a six-week study guide available for further exploration, along with additional resources like a Life Application Study Bible or Strong’s Concordance for a more enriched study experience. This method stands out for its simplicity and depth, guiding users toward a more personal and meaningful engagement with scripture.
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