There are several approaches to personal Bible reading and prayer that can help us connect with God


First read the Word as a personal encounter with God. It cannot be just an exercise in reading through the bible in a year or making sure I read a chapter a day. Each encounter must search for something from Him that is relevant to my life. I find that I need to read until He has spoken to me in a substantive way. If it comes quickly, I may not need to read further, though I may wish to read on. And if it takes more time than I had planned, I need to keep in the Word until it has ministered to me. It helps to write the concept down and put it in my pocket or briefcase to keep the issue alive in my heart.

Second, I find it helpful to read God's Word in terms of its intended purposes. He has told us that His Word is...
A Mirror: Threfore, I need to read to see myself as I really am in the light of what the text is sayng.
A Sword: The two-edged kind that pierces through all the externals and reveals my deepest secrets and motives.
A Lamp: It gives guidance in the darkness of life.

Third, I find helpful to share with a friend what God has given me from His Word. Sharing life-related insights can be a powerful tool in bonding with God and others.

Fourth, I often vary my approach to Scripture. For a season I may be reading two or three chapters a day in the Psalms and the Proverb that goes with the day of the month. At other times a study of a theme (such as friends, money, forgiveness) can be very enlightening. The biographies of Old Testament saints are full of stimulating food and reading through a short New Testament book at one sitting may be helpful.

Fifth, I must read the text submissively. Engaging the Word with less than an open, yielded spirit is a sure formula for an experience that will be distant and perfunctory.

Prayer
In regard to prayer, let me relate a few things I have found helpful for me.
Praing honestly is of utmost importance. The psalmist was never shy about "getting in God's face" about his life. This honesty opens our spirits up for Him to meet us with the resolution to our frustration. Prayer has a way of getting us to see all of life from God's point of view.
Prayer must have elements of worship. This could be in the form of singing, gratitude, or communicating specific ways in which we express His worth. Prayers of repentance and resolved are purifying and satisfying.
I find that praying out loud helps me deal with a wandering mind. Journaling prayers can help to keep our hearts riveted, and praying God's Word back to Him is a wonderful exercise in meaningful prayer.

No matter what approach we take, it is critical that we stay at it. We don't always feel emotionally or spiritually sharp. Don't abandon the process. Faithfulness is the key. Stay at it and your connectedness to God will deepen, and intimancy with Him will be your reward.

Connecting with God Through Bible Reading and Prayer
Adapted from Experiencing intimancy With God, by Joseph Stowell, RBC Ministries

I try to 1 chapter from the old testament, 1 from the psalms,1 from the deuterocanonicals books, 1 from the gospel and 1 from the epistles. This is what works for me.