How Should You Annotate The Pursuit of God While Reading?

Short answer: Annotate The Pursuit of God by marking only what helps you understand Tozer’s argument, test it with Scripture, and apply it. A useful annotation system separates Tozer’s claim, biblical support or question, personal response, and next action. The goal is active reading, not covering every page with marks.

First decide what annotations are for

Many readers highlight because a sentence sounds powerful. Months later, the marks are difficult to use because everything seemed important.

A better purpose is retrieval and response. Your notes should help you answer:

What is Tozer saying?
What Scripture relates to it?
What needs clarification?
What should change in my life?

That gives every mark a job.

Use four simple annotation symbols

You do not need an elaborate color system. Try these:

C — Claim: the main idea Tozer is arguing.

S — Scripture: a passage he quotes, alludes to, or that should be checked.

? — Question: wording that is unclear, strong, or needs biblical evaluation.

A — Application: a specific response, conviction, prayer, or action.

These four categories keep the margin useful even if you read with only a pencil.

Mark the argument, not every memorable phrase

In each chapter, look for the sentence or paragraph that carries the main burden.

For Chapter 4, the central issue is not every reference to sight or hearing; it is the call to treat God as real rather than merely inferred. In Chapter 5, the controlling doctrine is God’s universal presence. In Chapter 9, the focus is the burden of pride and the rest of meekness.

Marking the argument helps you reconstruct the chapter later.

Write Scripture references in the margin

Whenever Tozer quotes or builds on a passage, record the full reference if it is not obvious. Then read the passage in context.

If you find a supporting passage that Tozer does not mention, add it as a cross-reference.

This turns the book into a doorway back to Scripture rather than allowing the devotional author to become the final authority.

Distinguish agreement from admiration

A sentence can be beautiful and still require examination.

Use a question mark beside language that is poetic, mystical, historically dated, or stronger than the biblical text. Later, compare it with Scripture.

This practice is especially useful with phrases such as “spiritual faculties,” “speaking Voice,” or “sacred-secular antithesis.” The phrase may illuminate a biblical idea without itself being a biblical term.

Add one-sentence paraphrases

At the end of a section, write what Tozer means in your own words.

For example:

“Faith does not create God; it acts on the reality God has revealed.”

A paraphrase proves you understood the argument rather than merely copying striking language.

Record application as behavior

Avoid writing only “good,” “important,” or “need this.”

Instead write:

“Apologize to ___ for defensiveness.”
“Read Psalm 139 before work this week.”
“Stop checking recognition after serving.”
“Pray through the closing prayer in my own words.”

Concrete annotations are easier to review and obey.

Leave space for later reading

If you plan to reread the book, do not fill every margin on the first pass. Leave room to date later insights.

A second reading often reveals that a sentence you once underlined for comfort now confronts pride, or that a chapter you once found obscure has become clearer through experience.

Create a chapter-end annotation summary

At the end of each chapter, write four lines:

Main claim:

Key Scripture:

Biggest question:

One action:

That tiny summary makes the entire book easier to review.

Paper, eBook, or separate notebook?

Use the format that keeps the system sustainable.

A paperback is ideal for margin marks. An eBook allows searchable highlights. A separate notebook gives more room for Scripture study and prayer.

The method matters more than the medium.

Put It Into Practice

Open one chapter and annotate only three pages using C, S, ?, and A. When finished, write a one-sentence paraphrase of the section and one action. If the system feels too complicated, simplify it before continuing.

Conclusion: Good annotation is selective. Mark Tozer’s argument, connect it to Scripture, flag what needs testing, and record practical response. The best annotated copy is not the one with the most ink but the one that helps you understand, remember, and obey.