How to Pray the Bible

Praying with scripture is simply using particular Bible verses or passages to inform and direct our prayers. We see this type of praying throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, Nehemiah and Jonah prayed scripture in their times of distress and need. In the New Testament, Jesus modeled this type of prayer for us. At His crucifixion, in His moments of greatest agony, Jesus quoted Psalm 22 when He prayed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Scripture often gives language to human experiences that we struggle to direct to God in prayer. When we pray scripture, we aren’t just quoting God’s Word back to Him, we are meditating on His Word and renewing our minds to what is true. Let’s face it, there are situations in life that leave us bewildered at what to pray or without words to pray. In these moments, we can turn to scripture and pray the Word of God with confidence, knowing that when we do, we are speaking in alignment with God’s good and perfect will. 

The book of Psalms is a great place to begin practicing praying scripture! Psalms are recorded songs and prayers to the Lord that give expression to the many different longings of the soul and experiences we face in life. Here’s a simple example of how you can pray through a particular Psalm:

1. Read a Psalm slowly. If there are any words or phrases you don’t understand, read from a couple other translations to gain a greater knowledge of what the psalm is saying.

2. Re-read it again, slowly, taking note of particular words or phrases that stand out to you.

3. Read out loud each verse, and then use it as a prompt to pray in your own words what the verse evoked in you. Below is a sample from Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1 NIV)

Lord, You are leading my life. Jesus, You are my Good Shepherd, and in Your care, I’m content. I’m not lacking because You are shepherding me. Thank You for guiding me.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, (Psalm 23:2 NIV)

You know I need rest, and true rest is found in You. At times, I resist it, but You make me lie down. You lead me away from the busyness of life and my worries and burdens and take me to quiet waters. Jesus, You are my Living Water.

  he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3 NIV)

You refresh my soul. I need Your refreshing. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit. Guide me on the right paths. Keep me from temptation. Keep my eyes fixed on You alone, Jesus. 

Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me. (Psalm 23: 4 NIV)

Lord, I feel as though I am walking through a dark valley. I could be afraid, and at times, I am. But because You are with me, I don’t need to be filled with fear. Thank You for Your presence. Thank you for never leaving me or abandoning me. Your leadership over my life and Your closeness to me brings me comfort. Comfort me and give me peace and faith.

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5 NIV)

Lord, You are so good to me! Yes, there are some enemies– both spiritual and natural. I face opposition, but in the midst of it, you feed me and nourish me and take care of me. I’m always welcome at Your table, and it’s one You have prepared for me! Holy Spirit, You anoint me. I am abundantly blessed no matter what I face! Thank you!

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever. (Psalm 23:6 NIV)

My future is bright because of Your goodness and love towards me. My eternal hope is in You! I get to be with You for eternity because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Thank you! And thank You that I get to dwell with You and God’s people forever!

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