C - Context
What is the context of the passage you are reading? Study Bibles will often have sections before each book dedicated to explaining the passage’s context. Who is the author? Who was it written for? And what was the original purpose? Understanding this background will help you understand the passage’s content and how God is using it.
O - Observation
Take this time to note things that you notice. Does anything stand out or surprise you? Are there words or phrases that you don’t understand? Use a Study Bible or a quick internet search to explore the answers.
M - Meaning
This is a step that can be easy to skip, but it’s vital to understanding God’s Word. Think about what the author is trying to communicate to the original audience. Use context and your observations to work through what kind of impact the original piece may have had.
A - Application
This final step in COMA can be the most challenging. How do you apply the passage to your life? Use what you have learned through the other steps to help answer this question. Why might God want you to read that passage today?
Using the steps from COMA is a great way to challenge yourself to read the Bible on your own and have meaningful thoughts on it. Remember that there is not one “right” way to read the Bible. Use these steps as guiding principles to help get you comfortable with reading Scripture passages. Most importantly, it won’t always be easy, or even clear, and that is okay. Sister, you don’t need all the answers because God already knows, and He has made a way for you through Christ!
