How should we read the Word of God daily?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, reading the Word of God is not merely an intellectual exercise or a casual habit; it is a spiritual necessity and a means of purification. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we approach the Holy Scriptures with awe, recognizing them as the primary way God speaks to His children.

To benefit fully and remain within the "True Orthodox" spirit, you should follow these guidelines for your daily reading:

1. Approach with Prayer and Humility

Before opening the Bible, you must pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding. We do not read the Bible to "critique" it like heretics or scholars, but to be judged by it.

• The Prayer before Reading: Many fathers suggest saying, "Lord, open my eyes that I may see the wonders of Your Law."
• Ask the Question: As you read, always ask, "What is God trying to tell me in this passage?"

2. Follow the Liturgical Mind of the Church

The Coptic Church provides a structured way to engage with the Word through the Katameros (the lectionary).

• By following the daily readings prescribed for the Divine Liturgy, you stay in harmony with the Church and the lives of the saints celebrated in the Synaxarion.
• This prevents "private interpretation," which is the root of Protestantism and many heresies. We read the Bible through the eyes of the Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius and St. Cyril.

3. Use the "Three Weights of Flour" Method

Based on the teachings of our fathers, such as HG Bishop Mettaous, we should put the Word into the "three weights of flour"—our body, soul, and spirit.

• Listen with Concentration: During the Liturgy or your private reading, listen so the Word can cure your wounds and solve your problems.
• Memorize a Verse: Try to select one or two verses that attract your attention and "hide them in your heart" (Psalm 119:2). This allows the "yeast" of the Word to work in the "dough" of your life throughout the day, purifying your inner and outer senses.

4. Read with the Agpeya

The Agpeya is essentially the Bible organized for prayer. By praying the Psalms daily, you are fulfilling the commandment to meditate on God’s Word "day and night." The Psalms are the "spiritual flute" that prepares the heart to receive the deeper truths of the Gospels and Epistles.

5. Practice Discipline and Silence

As seen in the life of St. Arsenius, spiritual growth requires discipline.

• Daily Consistency: Just as we need physical food every day, we need the "Bread of Life" daily. Set a specific time that is free from distractions.
• Silence: After reading, spend time in silence. This allows the Word to take root. As Proverbs 21:23 says, "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles." Silence helps prevent us from losing the grace we received through the Word via gossip or idle talk.

6. Obedience and Application

The goal of reading is not just knowledge, but transformation. St. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that Scripture is profitable for "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

• If the Bible says you should not do something, you must choose to obey it immediately.
• We serve the Lord by applying what we read—whether that is by forgiving a neighbor, showing kindness, or practicing humility.

7. Avoid Foreign Interpretations

Be straightforward in rejecting the "modern" or "liberal" interpretations found in Protestant or secular commentaries. These often strip the Word of its divine power or ignore the "True Orthodox" perspective of the Alexandrian school. Instead, look to the writings of the "Golden-Mouthed" St. John Chrysostom and other patristic fathers who understood the literal, moral, and spiritual depths of the text.

Treat the Word of God as a "medicine chest" for the soul. Read it with the guidance of the Church, hide its verses in your heart, and let it lead you to a life of repentance and unity with.