Methods of Praying with the

Scriptures

by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

There are many different ways of using the Bible in Christian prayer. Scriptural prayer

does not follow a "one-size-fits-all" model.

Some methods may be easier or more beneficial for certain people, while other methods

might be more appealing or better for other people.

Some methods are more active (concentrating on the events and/or the words of the text),

while others are more receptive (letting God speak to you).

Some methods are more vocal (speaking words or singing music), while others more

interior (reflecting silently).

Some methods are more rational (thinking with your mind), while others are more

creative (using your imagination).

The following are very brief introductions to the topic of prayer in general, and to

some of the most common ways Christians have used the Bible for prayer throughout

the centuries and today:

Biblical Meditation | Ignatian Contemplation | Taizé-Style Prayer | Centering Prayer |

Lectio Divina

What Is Prayer? - A Brief Introduction

Prayer is basically RELATIONSHIP and COMMUNICATION with God:

English word “prayer” < Latin prex = “request, entreaty, prayer”

o But it should be much more than just saying “gimme, gimme”!

o Many related biblical words: pray, ask, beg, thank, praise, bless, adore, sing

hymns, etc.

Consider a close human relationship (with a spouse or best friend): o We not only speak with one another, but also listen to each other (one mouth, two

ears!).

o We not only communicate verbally, but also spend time together in many other

ways.

o We focus not just on ourselves, our needs & desires, but even more on the other

person.

Types of Prayer:

Speaking to God: Verbal Prayer (A.C.T.S.+I.) 1. Adoration – Give praise and glory to God for all His love and wondrous works

(Ps 148-150)

2. Contrition – With a penitent heart, ask God to forgive all your sins and failings

(Ps 51, 123)

3. Thanksgiving – Give thanks to God for all gifts and blessings you have received

(Ps 100, 136)

4. Supplication – Petition God for whatever you need, big or small, in humility and

trust (Ps 5, 17)

5. Intercession – Pray also for others, for their physical, material, and spiritual

needs (Ps 1, 122)

Another popular mnemonic for the first four is P.P.P.T. = Praise,

Penance, Petition, Thanksgiving

Listening to God: Non-Verbal or Not-only-Verbal Prayer 0. Natural World – God’s goodness & love are revealed to us in the beauty and

marvels of nature.

1. Human Life – God can speak to us through art, music, literature, and everyday

conversations.

2. Sacred Scripture – God’s Word teaches and inspires us, comforts and challenges

us each day.

3. Interior Silence – God can also encounter us in the stillness of our hearts, with

wordless love.

Terminology for Prayer: (caution: precise meanings vary from one spiritual tradition to

another)

Individual (private) & Communal (small-group) Prayer: o Vocal Prayer (oratio)

Formal or formula prayers: Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Rosary,

Novenas, etc.

Spontaneous prayer: speaking freely to God, as to a close friend

Intercessory prayer: praying on behalf of others, or asking the saints to

pray for us

o Mental Prayer (meditatio)

Reading: Bible or other spiritual writings

Meditating: reflecting on the meaning of texts

Imagining: putting yourself “into the scene”

o Contemplative Prayer (contemplatio)

“Centering Prayer”: repeating words or phrases (like a mantra); e.g. Abba,

Jesus, God is Love; or the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the

Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner”

A.k.a. mystical prayer; spiritual awareness; wordless adoration; prayer of

the heart; etc.

Liturgical (official, public) Prayer: o Eucharist / Mass: the “source & summit” of Christian life

o Other Sacraments & Rites & Blessings

o Liturgy of the Hours / “Divine Office”

“Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius Loyola o “…by this name of Spiritual Exercises is meant every way of examining one’s

conscience, of meditating, of contemplating, of praying vocally and mentally, and

of performing other spiritual actions, as will be said later. For as strolling, walking

and running are bodily exercises, so every way of preparing and disposing the

soul to rid itself of all the disordered tendencies, and, after it is rid, to seek and

find the Divine Will as to the management of one’s life for the salvation of the

soul, is called a Spiritual Exercise.” (Spir. Ex. #1)

A Framework for Biblical Prayer:

All extended prayer experiences could be enhanced by a few simple steps of Preparation and

Conclusion:

A. Preparation 1. Choose an appropriate time and place for your period of prayer.

2. Become aware that you are always in the presence of a loving God.

3. Thank God for creating you, loving you, adopting you as God's own child.

4. Ask God for an increase in faith, hope, love, or any other grace you may need.

B. Main Prayer Period 1. Use whichever style or method you have chosen for your prayer: Lectio Divina,

Meditation, Contemplation, Centering Prayer, etc.

2. Keep in mind that prayer, at its core, is relationship and communication with

God; so it involves both speaking and listening to God.

C. Conclusion 1. As you end your prayer period, reflect on what you have just experienced (key

thoughts, feelings, interior movements).

2. Thank God for giving you this time and opportunity to encounter and

communicate with God, your loving Father.

3. Speak aloud a short concluding prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary,

a prayer by your favorite saint, etc.

4. Decide or recall when and where you will pray the next time, so you can look

forward to another encounter with God.

Resources for Introductory Prayer:

Barry, SJ, William A. God and You: Prayer as a Personal Relationship. New York:

Paulist, 1987.

Bloom, Archbishop Anthony. Beginning to Pray. New York: Paulist, 1970.

Green, SJ, Thomas H. Opening to God: A Guide to Prayer. 2nd edition. Ave Maria

Press, 2006.

A Brief Introduction to Biblical Meditation (using rational

reflection):

This method is appropriate for any biblical text, especially teachings from the Epistles and other

more theological texts.

1. Begin: consider how God looks upon you and loves you; become aware of being in

God’s presence;

stand for a moment, bow if you wish, then be seated comfortably for your time of prayer.

2. Preparatory Prayer: offer to God all your will and actions, especially in this time of

prayer;

ask God for a specific grace that you need and desire right now (peace, consolation, hope,

etc.).

3. Meditate on the Biblical Text that you have selected:

o Read the biblical text through slowly, recalling what it is about; then let it come

alive for you!

o Reflect on the truths that God wants to teach you in this text.

o Ponder the meaning of each word, phrase, and sentence in the text.

o Focus on two or three points (words, phrases, images, ideas) that stand out to you.

o Embrace what God is saying to you; let your heart be moved with love and

desire.

o Notice what is going on inside you as you pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion,

love, anger, etc.

o If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to the biblical text and

your focal points.

4. Colloquy: enter into a short personal conversation with Jesus (or God the Father, or the

Holy Spirit); speak heart-to-heart, as if conversing with a close friend.

5. Closing Prayer: conclude by praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, or another

familiar/favorite prayer;

you might stand, kneel, bow, raise your hands, or adopt another posture to mark the end

of your prayer.

Afterward, briefly review what you experienced during this time of prayer (maybe journal about

what happened), and look forward to your next prayerful encounter with God (when? where?

which biblical text will you use?).

Resources for Reflective Meditation:

Gallagher, OMV, Timothy M. Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to

Prayer with Scripture. New York: Crossroad, 2008.

A Brief Introduction to Ignatian Contemplation (using

creative Imagination):

Ignatian Spirituality – Some Background:

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), from the Basque region of Northern Spain

o Was a courtier and soldier; badly wounded in a battle at Pamplona in 1521.

o During his recovery, reflected on how God’s grace and mercy affected him

interiorly.

o Spent almost a year at Manresa, praying for many hours each day and receiving

visions.

o Studied in various universities of Spain, and esp. in Paris; gathered first

“companions.”

o Ordained a priest in 1538; ten companions founded the “Society of Jesus”

(Jesuits) in 1540.

The “Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius: o A short guidebook for prayer, based on Ignatius’ own most profound spiritual

experiences.

o Designed to help others discern God’s presence in their lives, and to respond

accordingly.

o Originally a handbook for directors guiding others in an intensive 30-day “long

retreat.”

o Also adapted for a “Retreat in Daily Life”: one hour of prayer each day for 7 to 9

months.

o Based on the life of Jesus from the Gospels: his birth, public ministry, death, and

resurrection.

o Four “Weeks”: 1) God’s love & our sin; 2) Jesus’ Ministry; 3) Passion; 4)

Resurrection.

Fundamentals of Ignatian Spirituality: o Being deeply convinced of the dignity of each human person (we are created and

loved by God).

o Desire to encounter God intimately in the ordinary events of daily life (“Finding

God in all things”).

o “Discerning” God’s will for our lives, in matters great or small (“Contemplatives

in action”).

o Desire to know, love, and follow Christ, and to serve God’s people (“Men and

women for others”).

o Serving Jesus wholeheartedly, where the need is greatest (AMDG – “For the

greater glory of God”).

Ignatian Contemplation – The Process:

This method is especially appropriate for scenes from the Gospels, but also possible with other

biblical narratives.

1. Begin: consider how God looks upon you and loves you; become aware of being in

God’s presence;

stand for a moment, bow if you wish, then be seated comfortably for your time of prayer

2. Preparatory Prayer: offer to God all your will and actions, especially in this time of

prayer;

ask God for a specific grace that you need and desire right now (peace, consolation, hope,

etc.).

3. Contemplate the Biblical Story that you have selected:

o Read the text slowly and carefully; recall what it is about; then let it come alive

for you!

o Place yourself inside the story, using your imagination; become one of the

characters in the scene.

o Participate in the dynamics of the scene, dialoguing & interacting with Jesus and

other characters.

o Observe what is going on around you in the scene: What do you see, hear, feel,

smell, taste, touch?

o Dialogue with the other characters: What do they say or ask you? What do you

say or ask them in reply?

o Notice what is going on inside you as you pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion,

love, anger, etc.

o If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to the biblical text and

re-enter the scene.

4. Colloquy: enter into a short personal conversation with Jesus (or God the Father, or the

Holy Spirit); speak heart-to-heart, as if conversing with a close friend.

5. Closing Prayer: conclude by praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, or another

familiar/favorite prayer;

you might stand, kneel, bow, raise your hands, or adopt another posture to mark the end

of your prayer.

Afterward, briefly review what you experienced during this time of prayer (maybe journal about

what happened),

and look forward to your next prayerful encounter with God (when? where? which biblical text

will you use?).

Resources for Ignatian Contemplation:

Gallagher, OMV, Timothy M. Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to

Prayer with Scripture. New York: Crossroad, 2008.

Gallagher, OMV, Timothy M. An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer: Scriptural

Reflections According to the Spiritual Exercises. New York: Crossroad, 2008.

A Brief Introduction to Taizé-style Prayer:

Monastery of Taizé, France:

Taizé is a small village in Central France, between Lyons and Dijon; quiet rural setting

conducive to prayer.

Monastic community founded there in 1940’s by Brother Roger, Swiss-born Protestant

(“Reformed” Church).

Community is ecumenical (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) and international (French,

German, now worldwide).

Original focus on refugees (during World War II) and reconciliation (after WW-II) and

helping the poor.

About 100 brothers, with a few small “fraternities” in other poor areas (Calcutta,

Bangladesh, Algeria, Brazil).

Since 1970’s, large international youth meetings held in Europe and beyond: “A

Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth.”

Over 100,000 young people visit Taizé each year for summertime weeks of prayer, Bible

study, work, and sharing.

Community prayer held each morning, noon, and evening, with simple repetitive chants,

scripture, and silence.

See their website: www.taize.fr

Taizé Prayer – Introduction:

“Right at the depth of the human condition, lies the longing for a presence, the silent

desire for a communion.

Let us never forget that this simple desire for God is already the beginning of faith.” –

Brother Roger of Taizé

Intercultural & Ecumenical – a form of prayer meant to foster reconciliation and peace

among all peoples;

Christians of all traditions share in this ecumenical form of prayer practiced throughout

the world today.

Communal & Individual – participants worship in word and song a community setting,

yet remain open to the

voice of God speaking to them personally and discover the prayer that arises within

themselves.

Simplicity & Silence – gathered in Christ’s presence, we sing simple repetitive songs (in

Latin or other languages), uncluttered by too many words, allowing the mystery of God

to become tangible through the beauty of simplicity.

Meditative Prayer – incorporates uncomplicated repetitive song and chant, scripture

readings, and periods of group silence in a setting of peace, soft light, and religious art

(often using icons) that fosters communion with God.

“Prayer expressed in song remains one of the most essential expressions of our search

for God. Short chants, repeated over and over, emphasize the meditative quality of

prayer. They express in a few words a basic truth

which is quickly grasped by the mind and gradually penetrates into one’s whole being.” –

Brother Roger of Taizé

Examples: “Jesus Remember Me”; “Kyrie eleison”; “Laudate Omnes Gentes”; “Stay with

Me”; “Veni Sancte Spiritus”; etc.

Taizé Prayer – Process: (this is just a suggested format, which can be lengthened or

shortened)

Song – begin with one or two songs or chants appropriate to the season

Psalm and/or Scripture Reading – one or more persons can alternate reading

Song – chosen thematically to fit with the scriptures just read

Silence – time for individual meditation, listening to God’s voice within

Song – a meditative communal response to God’s word

Intercessions – praying for the needs of the world, with a short chanted response

Our Father – conclude with a common spoken prayer (and more music, if desired)

Resources for Taizé Prayer:

Official Website: www.taize.fr

[more coming soon]

A Brief Introduction to Centering Prayer :

Centering Prayer – Overview

A method of contemplative prayer that focuses on God’s presence and action within:

o Ancient origins in the desert fathers/mothers; Cloud of Unknowing; St. John of the

Cross; St. Teresa of Avila.

o Popularized in 1970’s, esp. by Frs. Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating

(Trappists in Spencer, MA).

Goal is to quiet ourselves (thoughts, desires, imaginings) to cooperate more fully with the

gift of God’s presence:

o Moves from more active styles of prayer (verbal, mental, affective) toward more

receptive prayer of resting in God.

o Emphasizes prayer as personal relationship with God, fostered by regular practice

of quiet peaceful contemplation.

o “Be still and know that I am God.” / “Be still and know that I am...” / “Be still and

know…” / “Be still…” / “Be…” (Ps 46:10)

Somewhat similar to “mindfulness meditation” practiced by Buddhists, but method and

goal are also different:

o Buddhist method: repeat a “mantra” to empty the mind; Christian method: use a

“sacred word” to focus on God.

o Buddhist goal: attain “emptiness”; Christian goal: deepen relationship to God

through the grace of contemplation.

Some people claim that Centering Prayer is not really “scriptural,” since it does not focus

on the biblical text.

o Obviously it does not make as much direct use of the Bible as the methods of

Meditation and Contemplation above.

o Yet Centering Prayer can be considered minimally “biblical” since the Christian

God is the God of the Bible,

and all of our words, images, and conceptions for God are ovbiously founded

upon the Bible.

Centering Prayer is not meant to replace, but to supplement the more verbal and

imaginative forms of scriptural prayer.

o Some people alternate doing different styles of prayer: a few days of reflective

Meditation and/or imaginative Contemplation,

followed by a few days of Taizé-style Prayer and/or Centering Prayer.

Centering Prayer – Basic Steps

1. Choose an appropriate time and place when you can devote 20-30 minutes to quiet prayer

w/o being disturbed

o Early morning, or late evening; at home, in church, in nature; turn off all phones

and electronic devices

2. Choose a “sacred word” as a symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and

action within

o Use a word of 1 or 2 syllables: God, Father, Abba, Jesus, Lord, Savior, Divine,

Holy, Peace, Spirit, Love, etc.

o Stay with the same word for the entire period; don’t engage in thoughts or

reflections on its meaning

3. Sit comfortably (chair or floor cushion), with back straight and eyes closed; settle briefly

and breathe deeply

o You might focus on your breath for a time (God’s Spirit within you!); breathe in,

breathe out; slowly, regularly

4. Quietly introduce the sacred word into your mind as a symbol of God’s presence and

action within

o Use your word not like a “mantra” (constantly repeated), but as a touchstone to

focus your attention on God

o When distracted by thoughts (or feelings, images, reflections), gently return to

your sacred word

5. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence for a few more minutes and/or slowly

pray the Our Father

Resources for Centering Prayer:

Keating, Thomas. Open Mind, Open Heart. 20th Anniversary edition. Crossroad, 2006.

Keating, Thomas. Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer. 3rd edition.

Crossroad, 2009.

Pennington, Basil. Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form.

Image Books / Doubleday, 1982.

Merton, Thomas. Contemplative Prayer . Image Books / Doubleday, 1971.

A Brief Introduction to Lectio Divina:

Overview:

Lectio Divina is a "Vital Encounter with the Lord"

o It is not just "Bible Study," nor a mere religious discussion based on the

scriptures.

o It is meant to be enlivening, existential, transformative, and uniting.

Lectio Divina is not just for monks and religious, but for all believers; it can be done by

individuals or in groups:

o Individuals: use and adapt Lectio Divina flexibly to one’s own needs and style

o Groups: provide a regular pattern to build openness and trust in a community

Lectio Divina is being promoted today as a very helpful way of praying with the Bible,

combining several of the other methods of biblical prayer introduced above:

o “The Church in America should give high priority to prayerful reflection upon the

Sacred Scripture by all the faithful. This Bible reading, accompanied by prayer, is

known in the tradition of the Church by the name Lectio Divina, a practice that

should be encouraged among all Christians.” (John Paul II, Ecclesia in America,

1999, p. 31)

Lectio Divina Process: (flexibly adapt the following steps, as needed, for individuals and

groups)

1. Reading (lectio) – hearing God’s Word in the Bible as I/we read it aloud

o What does the biblical text say?

2. Meditation (meditatio) – reflecting on the meaning of the text that I/we have read

o What is God saying to me/us through this text?

3. Prayer (oratio) – speaking with God in praise, thanksgiving, contrition, and petition

o What do I/we say to God in response to this text?

4. Contemplation (contemplatio) – listening to God more quietly in the silence of our

hearts

o How does this text make me/us feel in my/our relationship with God?

5. Action (actio) – letting the encounter concretely affect our daily life and work in the

world

o How will I/we change what I/we do today in response to hearing this text?

Resources:

Encounter with the Bible / Encuentro con la Biblia: Manual to implement the Lectio

Divina in your Parish (2005) - a bilingual publication; available from the American Bible

Society: Ministerios Latinos.

Encounter with the Bible: Lectio Divina method, Pratice Book / Encuentro con la Biblia:

Método Lectio Divina, Libro de prácticas (2007) - also from the ABS.

Catholic Prayer Bible (NRSV): Lectio Divina Edition. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2010.

Binz, Stephen J. Conversing with God in Scripture: A Contemporary Approach to Lectio

Divina. Word Among Us Press, 2008.

Paintner, Christine Valters and Lucy Wynkoop. Lectio Divina: Contemplative

Awakening and Awareness. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2008.

Magrassi, Mariano. Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina. Translated by

Edward Hagman. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1998.

Pennington, M. Basil. Lectio Divina: Renewing the Ancient Practice of Praying the

Scriptures. New York: Crossroad, 1998.

Casey, Michael. Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina. Liguori Publications,

1996.

Hall, Thelma. Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist

Press, 1988.

Some Inspiring Quotations about the Scriptures:

“Ignorance of the Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ.” – St. Jerome

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:9

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching…” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“Go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news to all of creation.” – Mark

16:15

“Believe what you Read; Teach what you Believe; Practice what you Teach” –

Ordination of Deacons

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