How to Study Scripture as a Yoga Teacher

• January 3, 2025
• By Janelle Lanier

How to Study Scripture as a Yoga Teacher

Join us for our 200hr & 100hr Yoga Teacher Training, February 2025

As yoga teachers, we are called to guide our students not only through physical postures but also through spiritual growth. One of the most powerful tools we have in our teaching is Scripture. It is the living Word of God, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a foundation for everything we do. But how do we study Scripture in a way that enriches our teaching and practice?

Here’s a simple guide to get started:

1. Start with Prayer and Surrender

Before you dive into any passage, begin by surrendering your heart and mind to God. Ask Him to open your understanding and guide you as you study. This simple but essential step reminds us that true insight comes from Him, not from our own intellect.

Example Prayer:
“Lord, open my heart to Your Word and help me understand what You want me to learn. May Your truth shape my practice and my teaching.”

2. Understand the Context

Scripture was written in a specific historical, cultural, and linguistic context. To avoid misinterpretation, it’s important to understand the background of the passage you’re studying.

Ask yourself:

• Who was the author?
• Who was the original audience?
• What was the purpose of the writing?

Understanding the context helps you avoid taking verses out of context and allows you to share God’s Word authentically with your students.

Example: James 2:17 says, “Faith without works is dead.” When read in isolation, this can seem to contradict the message of salvation by grace through faith. But when you understand James’ message in the full context of the New Testament, it becomes clear that faith leads to action—loving and serving others as a reflection of our faith in Christ.

3. Engage in Discussion

As we study Scripture, it’s essential to engage with others. God doesn’t give all the insight to any one person—He reveals His truth through community. Share your thoughts with fellow teachers, leaders, or mentors. Different perspectives can help illuminate new layers of understanding.

Discussing Scripture with others also creates a deeper bond within the teaching community and strengthens our collective knowledge.

4. Meditate on the Scripture

Meditation is a powerful tool for internalizing Scripture. Rather than just reading a verse, let it resonate within you. Repeat it throughout your day, and allow it to take root in your heart.

For example, when you meditate on a verse like Philippians 4:7 (“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”), allow its truth to fill you with peace as you move through your practice. This can then become a powerful theme for your class—teaching your students to find peace in God’s presence.

5. Apply Scripture to Your Sequencing

Scripture can inspire your class themes and the way you sequence poses. A verse like 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong,” can guide you to create a class focused on strength, courage, and resilience. Incorporate postures like Warrior II or Plank to embody the verse physically.

When you align your class themes with Scripture, your teaching will feel more purposeful and grounded, and your students will be able to connect the physical movements with deeper spiritual truths.

6. Reflect and Share

After you’ve studied and meditated on Scripture, take time to reflect. How does the passage speak to you personally? How can it guide your students? Share your insights with your class, inviting them to reflect on the Scripture during their practice.

For example, if you’ve chosen a verse about surrender, like Matthew 11:28-30 (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”), guide your students to release any tension in their bodies as a sign of surrender, both physically and spiritually.

Join Us for Teacher Training

In our 200hr & 100hr Yoga Teacher Training this February 2025, we’ll guide you through the process of studying Scripture and integrating it into your teaching. By learning to study the Bible with intention, you’ll enrich your practice, deepen your connection to God, and become a teacher who leads from a place of spiritual depth.

Ready to grow? Sign up today and start your journey into faith-filled teaching.