Reading the Scriptures by Charles Spurgeon. Psalm 1 verse 2, His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. You are retired for your private devotions. You have opened the word of God, and you begin to read. Now do not be satisfied with merely reading through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly read through two or three chapters every day, stupid people for doing such a thing. It is always better to read a little and digest it than it is to read much and then think you have done a good thing by merely reading the letter of the word. Merely to read words is nothing, the letter kills. You might as well read the alphabet backwards and forwards as read a chapter of scripture, unless you meditate upon it and seek to comprehend its meaning. The concern of the believer with his Bible open is to pray, Lord, Show me the experiential meaning of your word, while it lies open before me. Apply your word with power to my soul. Threatening or promise, doctrine or precept, whatever it may be, lead me into the soul and marrow of your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your word. in your private devotions, strive after vital godliness, genuine soul-work, and the life-giving operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it." "â€"Joshua 1.8