How to Read the Bible
Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God
by David Platt
Narrated by David Platt

In How to Read the Bible, David Platt, the acclaimed author of the bestselling book Radical, offers a profound yet simplistic approach to reading, studying, and comprehending the Scriptures in a way that enriches your love for God. His four-step method provides a thoughtful framework for engaging with God's Word.

Narrated by Platt himself, this audiobook conveys his deep passion for the subject matter. The audiobook serves as an excellent introduction for those who are new to the Bible and are seeking guidance as novice readers. Additionally, for those already familiar with Scripture, it offers valuable insights to enhance their understanding and reflection.

Platt not only explores effective strategies for understanding the Bible but also raises awareness of common pitfalls to avoid during your reading. One of his most compelling observations highlighted by the author was the contradiction many face: while the average American claims to be too busy to spend time reading the Bible, research shows that the average individual spends approximately five and a half hours a day on their phones. He encourages listeners to consider redirecting even a fraction of that time toward studying the Bible, suggesting that this could be a transformative way to deepen one's connection with God.

Thanks are extended to W Publishing Audiobooks and NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook.

Here's to New Adventures in our Reading & Journaling Journey!
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@shh_imreading Continue to Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, & the Power of the Written Word!✒📖

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A helpful book on how to practically dig deeper into scripture and read the Bible. I liked all the questions he offered for us to ask as we read the Bible. It is a pretty short book and easy to get through although the audio was a little cheesy to me. There is something for everyone here including new believers all the way to seasoned Christians looking to dig deeper.

MAPS
M- mediate and memorize
A - apply
P - pray
S - share

- How does this passage change my heart?
- How does this passage change my desires?
- How does this passage change what I do?
- What do I need to do this week as a result of what I just read?
- How does this passage change how I react to others?
- How does this change my life to be more in tune with Gods purpose
- How does this help me make disciples?

How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God

A surprisingly short, but impactful read.

I enjoyed this book a lot!

Platt's writing constantly hits with some really important tips on how to best read the Bible.

I got a lot out of it, and really appreciated his encouragement for readers to jump into scripture.

He gave some great practical tips, such as just getting started, the context you need to know going in, and how to best handle some of the Old Testament - just to name a few!

An excellent book for new to the faith, deep in the faith, or non-Christians alike!
The tone is encouraging and never condescending, making you feel welcomed... whatever step you are on!

I highly recommend it.

4.1/5

David Platt is an excellent example of a follower of Christ. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of his books. This one is geared towards newer Christians, encouraging them to open their Bibles and explore what God has to say to them. Platt shares his insights and nuances along with easy acronyms to use as you make your way through God's word. This is a very useful tool for Christians.

I spent a long day in the kitchen listening to the soothing voice of Platt in #HowtoReadtheBible. Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. This audiobook was filled with simple advice that helps anyone, no matter what stage of biblical study you are in. His use of anacroyms to inforce his strategy was helpful. I think Platt is certainly a valuable voice in the Christian space.

In the book How to Read the Bible, author and pastor David Platt, invites the reader to experience God deeper through reading the Bible. Platt uses the MAPS concept – Meditate on and memorize God's Word, Apply the Bible's truths, Pray that God will align your heart with His Word, and Share God's Word with others. This is a simple, straight-forward book and I would recommend this book especially to Christians new to the faith. I love when the author reads their own book. But Platt seemed to read slowly instead of his natural voice. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

David Platt’s How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God is a concise, engaging, and incredibly helpful resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. As someone who appreciates both theological depth and practical application, I found this book to be the perfect balance of both.

Platt introduces the MAPS method—Meditate, Apply, Pray, and Share—which offers a straightforward framework for engaging with the Bible in a way that’s not just informative but transformational. He also walks readers through how to approach different biblical genres—like poetry, prophecy, and historical narratives—with confidence and clarity.

This book is perfect for new believers, longtime Christians wanting to refresh their study habits, or anyone looking to experience the Bible more deeply and personally. Highly recommend!

I looooove David Platt’s voice. I listen to his sermons regularly, and his reading of Romans 1-8 is my go-to listen. I’m so glad he narrated How to Read the Bible!

This was quick and concise. Platt uses simple, realistic examples to show his point… my favorite was about the love letters he used to write to his wife in high school and how we should read the Word as God’s love letter to us!

The focus of the book is clear and well maintained: it is entirely on how to read the Bible using Platt’s system of Meditate and Memorize, Apply, Pray, and Share. I appreciated this book because I love lists and acronyms. I love a structured plan that I can follow, and Platt delivers that here. For example, I loved his methodical approach to memorizing scripture: write the verse down, then practice for five minutes. Then a half hour later practice again. Then two hours later practice again. Then tomorrow practice it again.

Platt does a great job at reminding the reader that while the methods in the book are systematic and intentional, they are so deep and relational with God. He says that we should memorize Scripture because the Holy Spirit will remind us of those verses when we need them. The Bible says that we should write scripture on our heart, and Platt gives really effective ways to do that.