In order to receive what a sacred text (the Bible) has to offer, we must read slowly. This brings to mind the recent ‘slow food’ movement in Italy, where villages guarantee to visitors that there are no ‘fast food’ outlets and that all can enjoy their meals in peace. As an antidote to speed reading we need to foster slow reading, what monks call lectio divina.

It is a right brain activity; we do not grasp the entire content immediately but in a circular manner. We read and advance, and then we go back and read again. With each repetition, something new may strike us. It takes time for us to become attuned to the subtle rhythms of a particular writing; the more we can slow down our reading, the more likely it is that we will catch sight of something unexpected.
Reading can become communion with God if we pray before, during and after our reading. Ask God to speak and ask for the grace to listen with the ear of your heart. You could make your own this psalm. ‘O that today you would listen to his voice. Harden not your hearts.’