If Jesus personally invited you to meet Him early in the morning, would you hesitate because you’re not a morning person?
Many of us wouldn’t dream of making such an excuse.
Yet, do we truly treat our daily Scripture reading as an invitation to encounter God? Understanding how to pray with scripture begins with recognizing that God is continually speaking to us through His Word and is inviting us to engage deeply with Him every day.
The Church teaches that opening the Bible is like meeting our Heavenly Father in a personal conversation. However, this incredible opportunity is often overlooked amid our busy lives.
Rather than rushing through our days consumed by distractions, we can choose to start each morning in Scripture, listening for God’s voice and aligning our will with His. This isn’t just about squeezing prayer into our schedule—it’s about making time with God the cornerstone of our day.
Practical Steps to Pray with Scripture
Of course, all Christians use scripture to pray. But as Catholics, we have a deep history of structured prayers using Scripture, and we look to the saints, angels, and the Virgin Mary to help us pray even deeper. So, without further ado, let’s dive in how to pray with Scripture, as a Catholic. To build a habit of encountering God through Scripture, intentionality is key. Here are practical steps to integrate Scripture into your daily prayer life:
1. Get a Bible You Can Live In
Choose a comfortable Bible that you can write in. Mark it up with colored pencils, pens, or highlighters to note verses that speak to you, jot down insights, and track your spiritual journey. A well-used Bible becomes a roadmap of your walk with God.
2. Keep a Prayer Journal
Record verses, phrases, or thoughts that strike you during your reading. Journaling is a powerful way to reflect on and remember what God communicates to you, building a legacy of His faithfulness in your life.
3. Choose a Life Verse or Year Verse
Ask God to reveal a scripture that resonates with your current life phase. Use this verse as a spiritual anchor throughout the year, guiding your decisions and prayers.
4. Practice Lectio Divina
This ancient practice involves reading, meditating on, praying over, and contemplating a passage of Scripture. It’s a transformative way to deepen your encounter with God through His Word.
5. Meet God in the Morning
Dedicate the first part of your day to Scripture. Establish a consistent time and place to read and pray, making this meeting with God a fixed part of your daily routine.
6. Create a ‘Gold’ Insights Journal
Maintain a special journal for particularly impactful scriptures and insights. These “gold” nuggets of truth serve as reminders of God’s promises and guidance, helping you stay rooted in your faith.
7. Use the “Bible in a Year” Podcast to Guide Your Prayer
If you’re busy or just don’t know where to start when selecting scripture for prayer, listen to the daily “Bible in a Year” podcast – you’ll get both scripture excerpts to pray on and if you stick with it, you’ll read the entire Bible in a year!
8. Pray the Rosary with Scripture
Each mystery of the Rosary can be enhanced and deepened by reading the corresponding scripture excerpts. Read our guide on the mysteries of the Rosary.
9. Ignatian Contemplation
Ignatian Contemplation uses the senses to imagine oneself in the setting of scripture and pray in an imaginative way. Find our guide to it here.
10. Set Specific Goals for Scripture Reading
Avoid vague intentions like “I want to pray more.” Instead, specify your goals, such as “I will read the Gospel every morning at 7 AM in my living room.” This clarity helps turn good intentions into regular habits.
By committing to pray with scripture, you dedicate yourself to a spiritual discipline that deepens your relationship with God and enhances your understanding of His will for your life. Let each day be an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God through the power of His Word.
Additional Resources
Want to grow deeper in recognizing God’s voice through Scripture? Explore FOCUS Bible Study Materials on FOCUS Equip for practical tools to enrich your prayer and study.
Learn more about deepening your trust in the Lord by reading our recent blog article, The Truth About Hope in a World of Disappointment.
For more inspiration, dive into SEEK Replay, where you’ll find keynotes from speakers like Fr. Mike Schmitz on the truth behind our sins and God’s infinite love for us.
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