Wired to Learn Differently: A Bible Reading Hack for Neurodivergent Minds
Wired Wisdom Post
For many neurodivergent believers, reading the Bible isn’t just a spiritual practice—it can feel like a mental marathon.
Between attention struggles, information overload, slow processing, and working memory limitations, it’s easy to open your Bible with good intentions and close it feeling frustrated, disconnected, or defeated. The desire is there—but the method just doesn’t always match how your brain is wired.
If you’ve ever felt guilty because you can’t “just sit and read,” you’re not alone.
And more importantly—you’re not broken.
You’re wired differently, not defectively.
That means you may need to engage Scripture differently too—and that’s not a weakness, it’s wisdom.
One of the most helpful tools I’ve found personally is using the Bible app’s audio feature to listen to the Word while reading along in my physical Bible. Hearing it and seeing it at the same time helps my brain stay engaged, increases comprehension, and makes it much easier to retain what I’m learning.
This multisensory approach activates different parts of the brain at once—which is especially helpful for ADHD, dyslexia, auditory learners, and anyone who struggles with focus or memory. It also reduces the mental load of decoding long passages, unfamiliar names, or complex phrasing.
Most translations on the YouVersion Bible App offer free audio playback, including:
New Living Translation (NLT) – great for clarity and flow
New International Version (NIV)
English Standard Version (ESV)
And more
You can adjust the speed, pause to reflect, and even rewind to hear a section again. Pairing this with highlighters or a journaling Bible creates a full-body experience that helps the Word stick—and that’s what matters most.
Don’t let shame talk you out of reading the Bible just because traditional methods feel hard.
You are allowed to use what works for your brain.
God’s Word was meant to be understood, not just studied.
It was meant to be hidden in your heart, not crammed into your head.
And if listening while reading helps you actually engage with Scripture—do it boldly.
There’s no one-size-fits-all for spiritual growth.
So if you’ve struggled with Bible reading, try this simple hack—and give yourself permission to connect with God in the way He uniquely wired you.
Love in Christ,
Miranda
