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:
Caution: Some words have radically different definitions in different religions traditions. For example:
"Meditation" in many Eastern religions is wordless, closer to what Western traditions call "Contemplative Prayer" or "Centering Prayer";
but in most Western Christian traditions, "meditation" involves reading of religious/scriptural texts and rational thinking about their meanings.
"Contemplation" sometimes involves rational thinking, sometimes refers to using imagination in prayer, and is sometimes wordless prayer.
Types of Prayer:
Speaking to God: Verbal Prayer (A.C.T.S.+I.)
Adoration – Give praise and glory to God for all His love and wondrous works (Ps 148-150)
Contrition – With a penitent heart, ask God to forgive all your sins and failings (Ps 51, 123)
Thanksgiving – Give thanks to God for all gifts and blessings you have received (Ps 100, 136)
Supplication – Petition God for whatever you need, big or small, in humility and trust (Ps 5, 17)
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
Natural World – God’s goodness & love are revealed to us in the beauty and marvels of nature.
Human Life – God can speak to us through art, music, literature, and everyday conversations.
Sacred Scripture – God’s Word teaches and inspires us, comforts and challenges us each day.
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)
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
Mental Prayer (meditatio)
Reading: Bible or other spiritual writings
Meditating: reflecting on the meaning of texts
Imagining: putting yourself “into the scene”
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:
Eucharist / Mass: the “source & summit” of Christian life
Other Sacraments & Rites & Blessings
Liturgy of the Hours / “Divine Office”
“Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius Loyola
“…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:
Preparation
Choose an appropriate time and place for your period of prayer.
Become aware that you are always in the presence of a loving God.
Thank God for creating you, loving you, adopting you as God's own child.
Ask God for an increase in faith, hope, love, or any other grace you may need.
Main Prayer Period
Use whichever style or method you have chosen for your prayer: Lectio Divina, Meditation, Contemplation, Centering Prayer, etc.
Keep in mind that prayer, at its core, is relationship and communication with God; so it involves both speaking and listening to God.
Conclusion
As you end your prayer period, reflect on what you have just experienced (key thoughts, feelings, interior movements).
Thank God for giving you this time and opportunity to encounter and communicate with God, your loving Father.
Speak aloud a short concluding prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, a prayer by your favorite saint, etc.
Decide or recall when and where you will pray the next time, so you can look forward to another encounter with God.
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.
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.
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.).
Meditate on the Biblical Text that you have selected:
Read the biblical text through slowly, recalling what it is about; then let it come alive for you!
Reflect on the truths that God wants to teach you in this text.
Ponder the meaning of each word, phrase, and sentence in the text.
Focus on two or three points (words, phrases, images, ideas) that stand out to you.
Embrace what God is saying to you; let your heart be moved with love and desire.
Notice what is going on inside you as you pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion, love, anger, etc.
If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to the biblical text and your focal points.
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.
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?).
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
Was a courtier and soldier; badly wounded in a battle at Pamplona in 1521.
During his recovery, reflected on how God’s grace and mercy affected him interiorly.
Spent almost a year at Manresa, praying for many hours each day and receiving visions.
Studied in various universities of Spain, and esp. in Paris; gathered first “companions.”
Ordained a priest in 1538; ten companions founded the “Society of Jesus” (Jesuits) in 1540.
The “Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius:
A short guidebook for prayer, based on Ignatius’ own most profound spiritual experiences.
Designed to help others discern God’s presence in their lives, and to respond accordingly.
Originally a handbook for directors guiding others in an intensive 30-day “long retreat.”
Also adapted for a “Retreat in Daily Life”: one hour of prayer each day for 7 to 9 months.
Based on the life of Jesus from the Gospels: his birth, public ministry, death, and resurrection.
Four “Weeks”: 1) God’s love & our sin; 2) Jesus’ Ministry; 3) Passion; 4) Resurrection.
Fundamentals of Ignatian Spirituality:
Being deeply convinced of the dignity of each human person (we are created and loved by God).
Desire to encounter God intimately in the ordinary events of daily life (“Finding God in all things”).
“Discerning” God’s will for our lives, in matters great or small (“Contemplatives in action”).
Desire to know, love, and follow Christ, and to serve God’s people (“Men and women for others”).
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.
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.
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.).
Contemplate the Biblical Story that you have selected:
Read the text slowly and carefully; recall what it is about; then let it come alive for you!
Place yourself inside the story, using your imagination; become one of the characters in the scene.
Participate in the dynamics of the scene, dialoguing & interacting with Jesus and other characters.
Observe what is going on around you in the scene: What do you see, hear, feel, smell, taste, touch?
Dialogue with the other characters: What do they say or ask you? What do you say or ask them in reply?
Notice what is going on inside you as you pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion, love, anger, etc.
If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to the biblical text and re-enter the scene.
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.
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, brieflyreview 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?).
“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)
A method of contemplative prayer that focuses on God’s presence and action within:
Ancient origins in the desert fathers/mothers; Cloud of Unknowing; St. John of the Cross; St. Teresa of Avila.
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:
Moves from more active styles of prayer (verbal, mental, affective) toward more receptive prayer of resting in God.
Emphasizes prayer as personal relationship with God, fostered by regular practice of quiet peaceful contemplation.
“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:
Buddhist method: repeat a “mantra” to empty the mind; Christian method: use a “sacred word” to focus on God.
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.
Obviously it does not make as much direct use of the Bible as the methods of Meditation and Contemplation above.
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.
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
Choose an appropriate time and place when you can devote 20-30 minutes to quiet prayer w/o being disturbed
Early morning, or late evening; at home, in church, in nature; turn off all phones and electronic devices
Choose a “sacred word” as a symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within
Use a word of 1 or 2 syllables: God, Father, Abba, Jesus, Lord, Savior, Divine, Holy, Peace, Spirit, Love, etc.
Stay with the same word for the entire period; don’t engage in thoughts or reflections on its meaning
Sit comfortably (chair or floor cushion), with back straight and eyes closed; settle briefly and breathe deeply
You might focus on your breath for a time (God’s Spirit within you!); breathe in, breathe out; slowly, regularly
Quietly introduce the sacred word into your mind as a symbol of God’s presence and action within
Use your word not like a “mantra” (constantly repeated), but as a touchstone to focus your attention on God
When distracted by thoughts (or feelings, images, reflections), gently return to your sacred word
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:
Thomas Keating. Open Mind, Open Heart. 20th Anniversary edition. Bloomsbury Continuum, 2019.
It is not just "Bible Study," nor a mere religious discussion based on the scriptures.
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:
Individuals: use and adapt Lectio Divina flexibly to one’s own needs and style
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:
“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)
Reading (lectio) – hearing God’s Word in the Bible as I/we read it aloud
What does the biblical text say?
Meditation (meditatio) – reflecting on the meaning of the text that I/we have read
What is God saying to me/us through this text?
Prayer (oratio) – speaking with God in praise, thanksgiving, contrition, and petition
What do I/we say to God in response to this text?
Contemplation (contemplatio) – listening to God more quietly in the silence of our hearts
How does this text make me/us feel in my/our relationship with God?
Action (actio or operatio) – letting the encounter concretely affect our daily life and work in the world
How will I/we change what I/we do today in response to hearing this text?
