How can I pray with the Bible?
The Church urges Christians to read Scripture regularly and to pray as they read, so that it becomes a conversation: God speaks in the text and we answer him.
A simple way to do this is the traditional method called Lectio Divina, which means "divine reading". First, read a short passage slowly, perhaps a Gospel story, more than once. Second, reflect on what stands out, asking what the words mean and what they say to your life. Third, respond to God in your own words with thanks, sorrow, a request or praise. Fourth, rest quietly in his presence for a moment. Finally, take one small resolution into the day.
Choose a modest portion, such as one scene from the Gospel of Mark, rather than a whole chapter. Do not rush to finish. If a passage is hard to understand, a Catholic study Bible or your parish priest can help.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2653
- Psalm 119:105
- Luke 24:32
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.