Combining two spiritual disciplines.
For many Christians, the simplest and most common advice for spiritual growth is to “read the Bible and pray.” While both spiritual disciplines are essential on their own, they become especially powerful when combined into one discipline: praying Scripture. This ancient yet often overlooked practice brings life to our prayers and grounds them in God’s Word.
What is praying Scripture?
Praying Scripture means using the words of the Bible to guide our prayers. This can involve reciting biblical prayers verbatim, personalizing passages, or praying through biblical themes and stories. Professor Evan B. Howard defines it as “ordering one’s time of prayer around a particular text in the Bible.” Whether it’s a psalm of lament, a passage on love, a proverb, or a call to holiness, Scripture gives voice and shape to our deepest desires and needs.
Think of prayer as a conversation with God, which He initiates by speaking to us through His Word. Praying Scripture is a way of responding to the dialogue that God, our Father, has already begun. You don’t have to wait until you feel inspired or focused. You can simply open the Bible, listen to what God’s saying, and respond. It’s that straightforward.
Why pray God’s Word?
Many believers struggle with prayer because they don’t know what to say, or feel their prayers are repetitive and self-centred. When asked, “Why do you struggle to pray?” a common answer is “I don’t know what to pray.” Many people feel stuck repeating a handful of prayer requests and, as a result, give up on prayer before they really begin. Praying Scripture addresses this problem by shifting the focus from our limited perspective to God’s broader truth and purposes. Romans 8:26 reminds us that we don’t always know how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit helps us align with God’s will through Scripture. When we pray God’s Word, we pray His heart.
Scripture as a prayer companion.
The Bible is rich with content for prayer—from the poetic cries of the Psalms to the model Jesus gave in the Lord’s Prayer. When we pray Scripture, the interaction becomes a two-way conversation. As we read, we listen. As we respond, we pray. Over time, Scripture and prayer form a seamless, Spirit-led rhythm that renews our devotional life.
A practical guide.
To pray Scripture, Professor Phil Collins suggests you do the following:
- Choose a passage that resonates with your life situation or speaks to a spiritual need. The Psalms are a great starting point—Psalm 23 for comfort, Psalm 51 for confession, or Psalm 100 for praise.
- Pray for guidance before reading. Ask God to speak through His Word and to give you focus and clarity.
- Read slowly and reflectively. Don’t rush. Linger over each verse, paying attention to the truth it conveys.
- Turn each verse into a personal prayer. For example, when reading, “The Lord is my shepherd,” you might pray, “Lord, thank You for guiding me. Help me receive Your provision today.”
- Let Scripture guide your worship, confession, thanksgiving, and requests. Use the passage to express adoration for who God is, confess areas where you fall short, thank Him for His promises, and present your needs or intercessions for others.
- Stay open to the Spirit’s leading. When a verse brings someone to mind or stirs a particular emotion, follow this thread in prayer.
Allowing the Spirit to lead.
Praying Scripture is more than a devotional technique—it’s a transformative encounter with the living God. It roots us in truth, broadens the scope of our prayers, and deepens our understanding of God’s plans and purposes.
In a world where our prayers can easily become shallow or self-focused, Scripture-centred prayer broadens our prayer horizon and deepens our insight and understanding of God’s perspective. As we allow the Holy Spirit to use His Word to shape the words we speak back to Him, our prayers become more confident, rich, and powerful.
Over time, praying Scripture not only strengthens our communication with God but also transforms our hearts, aligning them more closely with Christ, the very Word of God. So, open your Bible, quiet your heart, and begin a conversation with God that’s grounded in and informed by His Word.
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Summary
Praying Scripture is a powerful spiritual discipline that combines Bible reading and prayer into a transformative devotional practice. By using God’s Word to guide our prayers, we align our hearts with His truth and deepen our connection with Him. It also brings clarity, focus, and richness to our prayer life, moving us beyond repetition and self-focus. Learn how to pray Scripture and experience a more Spirit-led, meaningful relationship with God.
FAQ 1. What is praying Scripture?
Praying Scripture is the practice of using the Bible to guide and shape your prayers. It involves reading a passage of God’s Word and turning it into personal prayer; responding to what God has said by worshipping, confessing, giving thanks, or making requests based on the text.
FAQ 2. Why is praying Scripture important for Christians?
Praying Scripture is important because it helps believers pray in alignment with God’s will, overcomes feelings of uncertainty or dryness in prayer, and keeps prayer grounded in biblical truth. It also deepens understanding of Scripture while strengthening communication with God through the Holy Spirit.
FAQ 3. How can I start praying Scripture in my daily life?
You can start praying Scripture by choosing a passage (such as a Psalm), reading it slowly, and turning each verse into a personal prayer. Ask God to guide you, reflect on the text, and respond with worship, confession, thanksgiving, or intercession as the Scripture leads you.
© Scripture Union Canada
