As you prepare to study a book or a section, take into account the background surrounding the text. Ask key questions such as, "Who wrote it? Who was it written to? Why was it written? When was it written?" Answering these will start you on a good path to understanding the context.

Whatever the text may be that you are studying through, read through it in its entirety. Don't worry about getting too deep into it yet. That part will come. The goal here is to make sure everything stays in its proper context.

Take note of any questions you may have or terms you may not understand. Use those to guide your initial study. Try to answer those questions and define those terms.

Resources such as the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK) or a cross-reference bible are very useful for this step. You can also use a concordance, usually located in the back of a study bible. Online platforms such as Blue Letter Bible have a cross-reference section built in as well.

Use cross-referencing to have a better understanding of the text. Scripture defines Scripture. Many questions that you have may be answered by studying similar passages. Be sure to also read the context surrounding the cross-references as it can provide you with even more clarity.

Summarize the passage that you are going through with the conclusions that you have made. This will help you keep what you have read and learned in mind. It may also help you draw further conclusions that you may not have seen.

Prayer is an essential part of any Bible study method. You should start and finish with this. Without prayer throughout Bible study, it just becomes a glorified book club.

Take this time of prayer to reflect on what it is that you have read and what that means for your life. Ask the Lord for more insight and what He would have you to do in response of the Word. Also take the time to enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. Learn to grow in the discipline of prayer just as you are in the discipline of study.