How to pray Scripture

Praying Scripture means responding to a Bible passage in your own words. Read a few verses, notice what they say, and turn your response into a prayer. You can give thanks, ask for help, confess something, or simply tell God what you find difficult. You do not need polished language.

Where do you begin?

Choose a short passage such as Psalm 23. Read the whole psalm before focusing on one verse. Notice its movement from the shepherd's care to the dark valley and the welcome of a host. Trust does not mean the writer never faces trouble.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1 (NKJV) · Read in context

You might respond: “Lord, help me trust your care today. I am worried about what comes next. Give me wisdom to do what I can, and help me ask for support where I need it.” This is an example of a personal prayer, not a translation of the verse or a guarantee of a particular outcome.

What are the steps?

Read a short passage and the verses around it.
Notice who is speaking, who is addressed and what kind of writing it is.
Name one thing the passage leads you to thank God for or ask about.
Respond in an honest sentence or two.
Pause. You can return to the passage later without finishing a long session now.

Does the Bible contain examples?

The prayer in Acts 4:23-31 draws on Psalm 2 before asking for boldness. Daniel 9:1-3 describes Daniel responding to his reading of Jeremiah with prayer. These examples show Scripture shaping a response to God.

How do you avoid taking a promise out of context?

Ask who first received it. Jeremiah's letter speaks to exiles in Babylon and names a long period before their return.

¹⁰For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.
¹¹For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NKJV) · Read in context

The passage can encourage trust in God's faithfulness. It should not be turned into a promise that your next application, investment or relationship will succeed. Read Jeremiah 29 and our lesson on reading in context.

Which passages could you try next?

Psalm 13, for honest lament.
Psalm 51, for confession.
Philippians 1:9-11, for praying for others.
Matthew 6:9-13, the prayer Jesus teaches.

Living Sword can help you begin with your own concern and a prayer that includes Scripture references. Read those references in context and make the words your own. Write your first prayer with a free account and no payment card.