Praying with Scripture helps us to interact and converse with God, rather than just talking to him. We can go to God and his Word expectantly, remembering that Jesus, the Living Word, and his Spirit are always present and active. Jesus reveals the Father, and the Spirit draws us into the loving communion of our Triune God.
Listening
Slowly read your chosen Scripture passage out loud two times. As you do, listen with this question in mind:
God, what do you want to show me about yourself through your Word?
After reading, briefly pause and then respond to what he has revealed.
“Father, your Word is showing or reminding me that you ___________.”
Thanks
Read the passage again, listening with this question in mind:
What do I want to thank God for?
Express gratitude to God in response to his Word.
“Father, I thank you for _____.”
Confession
Read the passage again, listening with this question in mind:
What do these words move me to confess?
Confess using the following response (or feel free to confess in silence).
“Father, I confess that _____. I thank you for your mercy and receive your forgiveness.”
Receive the assurance of God’s mercy from his Word.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Eph. 1:7-8
Final Prayer Response
Read and Listen to God’s Word one last time with this question in mind:
What else do I want to say to my heavenly Father in response to his Word?
In response to his Word, you may want to intercede for someone, ask God how he is inviting you to join him in his work, express lament, contemplate, etc. take some time to express these things to God.
Close in prayer
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers, for the guidance of your Spirit, and for the intercession of your Son. Amen.
If helpful, take a few minutes to journal about the impact God’s word has had on your mind and heart.
This activity was adapted from resources from Barnabas International.
Used with permission.