Daily Prayer - Bible Meditation Tips & Steps

by Elizabeth Howe

“Praying with Scripture”

Tips & Steps for Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) of the Bible

Be Still

  • Make a daily “appointment” with Jesus, preferably the same time of day. Set an alarm.
  • Collect your materials: Bible, journal, notepad, pen, blanket, coffee, etc.
  • Find a quiet, private, comfortable place and select a few lines of scripture to reflect on, preferably first thing in the morning.
  • The WORD is a person speaking to you! This is a relational time, not necessarily an intellectual study time.
  • This time is meant to be a one on one, heart to heart with Jesus, not a spiritual item to check off your list of holy activities. Speak to Jesus in the intimacy of prayer. This is a personal conversation with Him. You speak, He listens. You read; HE speaks!
  • When you read Scripture, God speaks to you directly. Let Him address you individually, guided by the Holy Spirit when you meditate on Scripture.
  • Ideas:
    • Look up the full and surrounding verses from your Ponderings™
    • Read from the Gospels or from one of St. Paul’s letters
    • Read the daily Mass Readings (easy to find schedule online)
    • Get a daily meditation book and meditate on the referenced scripture verses and then read the commentary.
    • Read the Psalms.

READ

  • What does the verse say? Pay attention to nouns and verbs.
  • Slowly read the verses, carefully looking for details, key words, and concepts.
  • Read it again.
  • Pay attention to the context, the Who? What? When? Where? Why? of the passage.
  • Read any references or footnotes.
  • Reading Scripture and meditating on it gives you topics to discuss with God in your prayer time. The Holy Spirit will help direct your attention where you need it.

 

MEDITATE

  • What words or phrases catch your attention?
  • STOP and mentally “ponder” the words, images, scenes.
  • Do the words or concepts resonate with your life?
  • Is the verse a poem, a song, a letter, a Gospel account of Jesus’ life? After Jesus’ life? Before he was born? A prophecy? New or Old Testament?
  • Imagine yourself in the scene. How would you respond to some of Jesus’ provocative statements or questions? To his Actions?
  • Is Jesus trying to teach you something? What?
  • Here is a good place to journal. Ask yourself questions and answer them or pray about the answers. This is the beginning of your deep interior life.
  • Ponder quietly with the Holy Spirit, letting your mind be led by the Spirit. If you get distracted, gently pull your mind back to the Scripture. It takes practice to quiet your mind without distractions.  Distractions are common.
  • If a passage does not stand out to you, read the next verse, or paragraph or move to the next item or chapter. Try to memorize the scripture or repeat it slowly, emphasizing each word and reflecting on the different words. Does it enhance the meaning of the verse?
  • Repeat the whole verse several times.
  • Your “spiritual senses” will increase as you grow in relationship to Jesus and his Holy Spirit! Your understanding and clarity will grow through the Holy Spirit!
  • Take the time to seek God’s presence in your soul! He wants to reside there and be an active LORD of your life.

 

PRAY

  • How does this meditation affect your life or your attitudes? Motivations?
  • Do you see a connection with your daily life?
  • Talk with God about any issues that come to mind. This is your conversation with God.
  • Once you get into the practice of sitting quietly, directing your thoughts, the Holy Spirit will guide your mind and move your thoughts.
  • Be open to the movements of your heart and mind.
  • Keep a pad and pencil nearby in case you get distracted by your to do list. Jot down a reminder and gently bring your mind back to the task at hand.
  • I like to use this time to really focus on my heart to heart with Jesus and our relationship.
  • I use additional time at the beginning or end of my quiet session for intercessory prayers. I tend to find more time the rest of the day for other spiritual readings, the Rosary, podcasts, or Bible Study Lessons, etc.

 

CONTEMPLATE

  • Savor being in God’s presence. Praise Him! Thank Him! Ask for forgiveness!
  • Just rest in the LORD. Let Him love you!
  • Let His peace fill your heart and mind!
  • Sit with Him and allow Him to search your heart. Close your eyes and Be with God.
  • Spend this quiet time attuned and focused on praising and listening to God.
  • It takes time. By His Grace, you get better with practice!

 

RESOLVE

  • Take your Ponderings™ cards with you in the plastic sleeve or make your own notecard as a reminder of your personal resolution. Take it with you during the day. Reflect on its message frequently throughout the day.
  • What will you do with your new insights?
  • Will they animate your decisions, attitudes, or actions during the day?
  • Write a specific, concrete resolution you can act on for the day or the week to respond to what God has spoken to you through Scripture.
  • Make your own notecard as a reminder of your personal resolution. Take it with you during the day as a reminder of the virtues you want to strengthen.
  • Before long, you will see that God is speaking directly to you about your life circumstances during this time. You will long for this one-on-one time with Him!
  • You will be comforted, directed, reprimanded, reminded, forgiven, and loved all at the same time! Your relationship with Jesus will become personal, custom designed for your unique personality, life circumstances and questions. 
  • Do not let your prayer and meditation be hollow. Resolve to Act! Do! 
  • Resolve to surrender to His will, Cease resisting Him.
  • Resolve to grow in Holiness and Virtue.
  • Be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so He can renew your heart and mind for holiness.

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