HEAR Journals
H (Highlight) - What verse(s) stood out to me in my reading?
As you read what is assigned from your reading plan that day, highlight in your Bible or your journal any verses that stick out to you or pique your interest. Then after you complete the reading for that day, go back and select the verse(s) that stood out more than any others, write them out word for word in your journal, including the book, chapter, and verse number(s). Writing out the Word of God helps us process it in a unique and more thoughtful way.
E (Explain the Envelope) - What did that verse mean then?
After you have selected and written out your highlighted passage in your journal, you will Explain what the passage meant in its original context. Another way to think about this is reading the envelope of a letter. On an envelope we see what kind of envelope it is (bill? greeting card?) who it’s addressed to, who it’s from, and the postmark date. We can ask similar questions when engaging with God’s Word to understand the original meaning of the passage. Here are a few questions to assist you:
Remember, the Bible is not something anyone can read one time and understand all there is to know about it! It’s important to show up, engage with the text, and wrestle with its original meaning.
- Who is the writer?
- Who did they write to? Why?
- Do the verses before or after help you understand the context and purpose?
- Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?
- What is God intending to communicate through this text?
- What do we learn about God from this text?
A (Apply) - What is God specifically telling me to do today?
After you have highlighted your verse and explained it, then you will write how you can apply it. Another way to think about this step is, “How should this knowledge change me in my walk with Christ?” This step will help bridge the gap between the ancient world and today. It provides a way for God to speak to you and guide you toward His will for your life. Here are a few questions to help uncover how the verse could personally apply to you today:
- Is there a command to obey?
- Is there an example to follow?
- Is there a sin to confess or avoid?
- Is there a promise to keep?
- Is there knowledge of God I need to reflect on?
- What would the application of this verse look like in my life?
R (Respond) - How will you obey or pray about this?
The last part of the HEAR journal is to respond. This may take on different forms:
- You may write a call to action.
- You may describe how you will be different, knowing what you have discovered through this verse.
- You may write out a prayer to God. For example, you may ask God to help you to be more loving or to give you a desire to be more generous.
- You may respond with admitting a sin, confessing a blind spot, or acknowledging the need for accountability in a certain area.
- You may respond by worshipping God or agreeing to do what He has prompted you to do.
SAMPLE HEAR JOURNAL
Read: John 11
H (Highlight) - John 11:4 — But when Jesus heard about it He said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”
E (Explain) - It appeared like things had gone wrong, but God was planning something special. It wasn’t actually headed in the direction people thought it was; God was at work.
A (Apply) - I need to trust God’s plan and purposes, especially when I don’t see or understand. If even death can’t mess up God’s plans, then what can? God’s got this!
R (Respond) - Thank you Lord that you are always in control. Help me trust that you’ve got this. I love you!