Praying with Scripture is a way of letting God speak personally to us through the words of the Bible. Though it can include studying the text, the main idea is to let the words of the text spark a conversation between you and God. 

Begin with prayer. Settle your body into the space where you are praying. Recall the fact that you are in the presence of the living Word. Welcome the Holy Spirit to help you pray.

Read slowly and carefully. To distinguish this way of engaging the text from other kinds of reading, try moving your lips or softly reading the selected passage aloud.

Put the Bible aside. From memory write down words or phrases that stay with you. If needed, glance at the text or read it again, then jot down what most impresses you.

Connect personally with the words or phrases you have selected. Perhaps you find yourself reminiscing about something from your past, or the text speaks to something you are concerned about in your life right now. Notice where your thoughts take you as you ponder this text and make note of them.

Turn your pondering into a prayer. Consciously gather up your thoughts and turn your attention toward God. Tell God what you thought about and what you felt during this time. Let yourself feel those emotions in God’s presence, even if the emotions are negative. Is there something that you want to give to God? Is there something that you want from God? Is there something that God seems to be communicating to you?

Write it down. Capture anything that seems important from this prayer period. Write in the way that is easiest for you—bullet points, full sentences, or even drawings.

Notes: You may want to spend more than one prayer period on a passage of Scripture that is especially meaningful. Stay with it and savor it until you are completely satisfied. Also pay attention to boredom, irritation, or a sense of aridity concerning a passage of Scripture. Such reactions might signal that the passage is touching something that you would prefer to avoid. Be patient with yourself and ask God for insight and a soft heart.

© 2025 Valerie McIntyre