How to…Pray with the Bible

Lectio Divina is a centuries-old tradition of praying with passages from the Bible. Here’s one way you can give it a go:

Scripture is from God, so it is best to read it prayerfully – in conversation with the one who wrote it. Place yourself in God’s presence and begin in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

1) Lectio — Read

Read the Bible passage slowly. Firstly, try get a sense of what it seems to be about – the story or the ‘main points’.

After a moment of silence with God, re-read the passage and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it.

What is the passage saying?

2) Meditatio -– Meditate

Now reflect on what God is saying to you personally through this passage. God has brought you to this part of Scripture for a reason. What do you think that reason is?

You may find it helps to re-read the passage once more. Some people choose to imagine themselves in the scene or try to relate the passage to specific circumstances in their own lives.

3) Oratio — Pray

Prayer is a conversation. God has spoken to you, so now it is time to respond to Him. Perhaps you need to ask for the grace to do things differently. Perhaps there is something you ought to thank God for. Perhaps you need to say sorry to Him or to others.

Contemplatio — Contemplate

All of Scripture, both Old and New Testament, leads us to Jesus Christ, who loves you unconditionally. Spend some time silently bathing in the love that Jesus has for you. He wants you to spend time with Him so allow a few minutes, or perhaps longer, to give yourself to Him as He gives Himself to you.

Thank Jesus for this encounter with Him in His word and conclude in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

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