Think about what thoughts are being connected and why.

Mark transition words like if/then, therefore, likewise, but, because.

Mark words you don’t understand with a question mark and look them up later.If you notice lists or several points being made in a row, number them.Creator, Sovereign, Provider, Comforter, Judge,…) Make note of attributes of God that are being illustrated and write them in the margin.Develop your own marking system using circles, boxes, underlines, pictures,…whatever works for you. Using colored pencils or markers are helpful.

Mark repeated words, phrases, or ideas.

The following are some ideas for annotation:

As you read, begin making notes on your printed copy.

For the Lord gives wisdom from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:3-6

“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Read and reread (or listen to an audio recording of) the book you are studying.It also will give you an outline of the book which is helpful especially with longer books of the Bible. This will help you understand the historical and cultural context answering who, what, where, when, why, and how questions. Read the overview of the book in a study Bible.The heart of our study should be the desire to get to know our God better, thus growing in our faith! (Note: If you would rather not print a copy of Isaiah, Crossway offers an Isaiah scripture journal for purchase.) This is where you can write notes or questions for yourself, mark things that stick out to you, or make note of something you are learning about God. Print a copy of the text you are studying.Comprehension (observation) : This is when we seek to answer the question, “What does it say?” The following are tools to help you build your comprehension of the text:.If you have the opportunity, I would strongly recommend getting this book for your own future reference. The following are some quick reference notes that I compiled from chapter 6 of her book that I hope will aid you in getting started. She speaks to the need for study and meditation on God’s Word, as well as gives practical advice on how to do so. A few years ago, I was introduced to Jen Wilkin and her book Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both our Hearts and Our Minds.

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