Christian Youth & Young Adults
Jesus does say, after all, that "man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17
Most young people like the idea of devoting more time to reading. But, unfortunately, many simply have no idea how to find the time or the motivation to do so. If you feel that this accurately describes your relationship with reading, then do not give up just yet! You already have the drive needed to pick up a good reading habit, and now you just need some pointers to get you started. Follow these five tips and you will be flipping through those pages in no time:
1) Read the type of books that YOU like
Maybe you are having trouble with really sinking your teeth into a book because you always read the type of books that you think you should be reading instead of books that you actually have an interest in. Stop paying attention to everyone else's recommended or "top picks," and dive instead into the genres that you like.
2) Set daily reading goals
If you truly want reading to become a daily habit for you, then you are going to have to set daily reading goals and commit to them. This might be a little difficult at first, but you will quickly find it getting easier and easier. If you feel like you can only handle a few pages in the beginning, then read only a few pages. You can slowly increase your goal over time.
3) Bring your book around with you
Making a habit of reading can be a lot easier if you carry your book around with you wherever you go. Strive to always buy or borrow paperback copies to make this easier, or, better yet, invest in an e-reader so you can carry around your entire library!
4) Sacrifice other hobbies or activities
If you truly want to find the time to read more, then you need to be willing to take time from other activities. Consider watching less TV or spending less time on the computer, and you will quickly find yourself with more than enough time in the day to curl up on the sofa with a good book.
5) Read the Bible!
The Bible is full of intrigue, mystery, action, adventure, romance, and all the spiritual motivation you need to get through each day. Encouraging Bible verses have a way of sticking in your mind and calling you back for more. Jesus does say, after all, that "man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). With this kind of endorsement, why would not you want to include the Bible into your reading habit?
One of the best things about reading the Bible is that it may motivate you to read other books as well. Once your mind begins to get used to your reading habit, it will begin to crave more and more material. Keep the Bible as a staple book that you can slowly work your way through over time, and follow the other tips above to read a variety of other books as well.
Spiritual Prayer
You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and uprightness of heart toward You. And You have shown him great kindness in giving him a son to sit on his throne this day. Now, O Lord, my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David and I am still a little child and do not know how to go out or to come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, so numerous that they can not be numbered or counted. Give Your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge among so great a people?