What is "praying Scripture"? I’ve heard the term used in different contexts, sometimes referring to simply reading the Bible aloud as a prayer, other times involving a more active engagement with specific verses. I’m particularly interested in understanding the different methods of praying Scripture that exist – are there specific techniques or approaches I should be aware of? Furthermore, what are the purported spiritual benefits of praying Scripture compared to other forms of prayer, such as spontaneous prayer or intercessory prayer? Are there any theological or historical precedents for this practice? And finally, beyond just knowing what it is, why should I engage in this practice? What practical impact can praying Scripture have on my personal relationship with God, my understanding of the Bible, and my overall spiritual growth? Are there potential pitfalls or misunderstandings to avoid when engaging in this practice?
Answer
Praying Scripture, also known as Lectio Divina or scriptural prayer, is a method of prayer that involves meditating on a passage of Scripture, allowing it to guide your thoughts, emotions, and conversation with God. It’s not just about reading the Bible for information; it’s about using the text as a springboard for deeper intimacy with God.
The Process of Praying Scripture Generally Involves:
- Reading (Lectio): Slowly and attentively read a short passage of Scripture (a verse, a few verses, or a short paragraph). Don’t rush; savor each word and phrase.
- Meditation (Meditatio): Reflect on the passage. What words, phrases, or images stand out to you? What is God saying to you through this passage? Consider how the passage relates to your life, your current circumstances, and your relationship with God.
- Prayer (Oratio): Respond to God in prayer based on your meditation. This might involve expressing gratitude, confessing sin, asking for guidance, or simply pouring out your heart to God in response to what He has revealed to you through the passage.
- Contemplation (Contemplatio): Rest in God’s presence. Allow the truth of the passage to sink deep into your heart and mind. This is a time of quiet attentiveness to God, letting His peace and love fill you.
Why You Should Pray Scripture:
- Deeper Intimacy with God: Praying Scripture moves beyond a surface-level understanding of the Bible to a personal encounter with the Living God. It allows you to hear God’s voice speaking directly to you through His Word.
- Transformation and Spiritual Growth: Engaging with Scripture in a prayerful way allows the Holy Spirit to work in your life, transforming your heart, mind, and will. It helps you to align your thoughts and actions with God’s character and purposes.
- Biblical Grounding for Prayer: Praying Scripture ensures that your prayers are rooted in God’s Word and aligned with His will. It helps you to pray according to His promises and to understand His heart for you and the world.
- Enhanced Understanding of Scripture: Praying Scripture helps you to grasp the deeper meaning and significance of the Bible. As you meditate on the text and pray about it, you gain new insights and understanding.
- Clarity and Guidance: Praying Scripture can bring clarity and guidance in times of confusion or uncertainty. As you seek God’s wisdom through His Word, He will direct your path and lead you in the way you should go.
- Comfort and Strength: Praying Scripture can provide comfort and strength in times of difficulty and suffering. The promises and truths of Scripture can sustain you and give you hope when you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Renewal and Refreshment: Praying Scripture can be a source of renewal and refreshment for your soul. It helps you to reconnect with God and to experience His peace and presence in your life.
- More Meaningful Prayer Life: It can revitalize and deepen your prayer life by providing a structured yet flexible way to engage with God, moving beyond routine or empty prayers.
- Discernment: Praying Scripture can sharpen your discernment, enabling you to recognize God’s voice and differentiate it from other voices in your life. It can help you make sound decisions and avoid deception.
- Character Development: Consistent prayerful engagement with Scripture cultivates virtues like patience, humility, love, and compassion. It shapes your character in accordance with Christ’s image.
In essence, praying Scripture is a powerful way to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Pray This Prayer
A Prayer Using Scripture
Heavenly Father, you are the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. We come before you today, seeking to draw closer to you, to understand your will, and to be filled with your Spirit.
We recognize the power and truth of your Word, the Holy Scriptures, and desire to learn to pray through them. Forgive us for the times we have neglected to use your very own words to communicate with you. We understand that praying Scripture is not just reading the Bible, but engaging with it, meditating on it, and using it as a springboard to express our needs, our praise, our repentance, and our petitions before your throne. It’s taking your promises, your warnings, your commands, and your descriptions of yourself and turning them into heartfelt conversations with you.
Lord, we ask, why should we do this? Show us the incredible benefits of praying Scripture. Help us to see that when we pray your Word, we are aligning our thoughts and desires with your own. We are grounding our requests in your revealed will. We are speaking truth back to you, reminding ourselves of your steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness.
Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Lord, as we pray your Word, let it illuminate our lives, guiding us through the darkness and leading us into your perfect light. Help us to discern your will, to make wise decisions, and to walk in obedience to your commands.
Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Lord, strengthen our faith as we immerse ourselves in your Word. Let our prayers be filled with faith, knowing that you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
We pray that as we pray Scripture, we will be transformed from the inside out. Mold us, shape us, and refine us, according to your perfect will. Help us to become more like Christ, reflecting your love, your grace, and your mercy to a world in desperate need of you.
Thank you for the gift of your Word, a treasure beyond compare. May we always cherish it, study it, and use it as the foundation for our prayers. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.