The object of formational reading  is to meet God in the text. While informational reading is linear, trying to move quickly over the surface of the text, formational reading is in depth. It’s a process in which you allow the passage to open to you its deeper dimensions, its multiple layers of meaning.

At the same time, you seek to allow the text to delve deep into the levels of your heart, mind and soul, revealing hidden lies and barriers that hold you back, and plow amidst the hard soil caused by your shadow self. Instead of rushing on to the next sentence, paragraph, or chapter, by slowing the process down with intention, the text begins to penetrate and fill the empty places with God’s presence.