Here’s a walkthrough of a contemplative scripture reading using the “Praying the Scriptures” (Adaptation) method, with a focus on personalizing the text and making it your own prayer:
Preparation:
- Setting: Choose a quiet space where you can focus on the text and your prayer.
- Scripture: Select a passage that speaks to your current situation, needs, or desires. It could be a Psalm, a Gospel passage, or any text that resonates with you.
- Prayer: Begin with a brief prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and help you connect with God through the text.
Reading & Adaptation:
- Read the passage slowly and attentively: Pay close attention to the words, phrases, and overall message. Notice any particular verses or ideas that stand out to you.
- Rewrite in your own words: Using a notebook or journal, rewrite the passage in your own words, making it a personal prayer.
- Use “I” and “me” to personalize the text.
- Feel free to add your own reflections, petitions, or thanksgivings.
- Don’t worry about perfect grammar or literary style; focus on expressing your heart to God.
Example:
Let’s say you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and you choose to read Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Your adaptation might look something like this:
“Lord, I come before You feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Help me to be still in Your presence. Remind me that You are God, in control of all things. I surrender my worries and fears to You. Fill me with Your peace and strength. Amen.”
Praying your Adaptation:
- Read your prayer aloud: Slowly and prayerfully read your adapted text, savoring each word and phrase.
- Meditate on the words: Reflect on the meaning of your prayer and how it connects to your current situation.
- Dialogue with God: Continue to pray, using your adapted text as a springboard for further conversation with God. Share your heart, ask for guidance, and express your gratitude.
Living the Word:
- Carry the prayer with you: Write down your adapted prayer and carry it with you throughout the day. Refer back to it whenever you need a reminder of God’s presence and peace.
- Practice stillness: Make time each day for quiet reflection and prayer, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- Trust in God: Surrender your worries and anxieties to God, trusting in His love and sovereignty.
Remember:
- The goal of this practice is to make the scripture come alive in your own life and prayer.
- Be creative and expressive in your adaptation. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
- The most important thing is to connect with God on a personal level and allow His Word to transform your heart.
By incorporating this method into your contemplative scripture reading, you can deepen your relationship with God, personalize His Word, and experience its transformative power in your daily life.
Here are 10 scripture passages that are particularly well-suited for contemplative reading using the “Praying the Scriptures” (Adaptation Method), along with brief explanations of their potential focus for personal prayer:
Old Testament:
- Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd – This beloved psalm offers comfort, assurance, and a deep sense of God’s loving care. Adapt it into a personal prayer expressing your trust in God’s provision and guidance.
- Psalm 51: Have Mercy on Me, O God – A penitential psalm expressing deep remorse and a plea for forgiveness. Rewrite it as a personal confession and plea for God’s cleansing and renewal.
- Isaiah 40:28-31: Waiting on the Lord – A message of hope and renewal for those who trust in God. Adapt it into a prayer of surrender and reliance on God’s strength when you feel weary or discouraged.
- Micah 6:8: What Does the Lord Require? – This concise verse summarizes God’s expectations for His people: justice, mercy, and humility. Adapt it into a prayer of commitment to live out these principles in your daily life.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord – An encouragement to trust in God’s guidance and not lean on our own understanding. Rewrite it as a prayer for wisdom and discernment, asking God to direct your paths.
New Testament:
- Matthew 6:9-13: The Lord’s Prayer – This foundational prayer provides a model for addressing God and expressing your needs. Adapt it to reflect your current circumstances and personal requests.
- John 14:27: Peace I Leave With You – Jesus’ words offer comfort and reassurance in times of trouble. Adapt them into a prayer for peace, asking Jesus to fill you with His peace that surpasses understanding.
- Romans 8:28: All Things Work Together for Good – This powerful verse offers hope and perspective in the midst of trials. Adapt it into a prayer of trust, even when circumstances are difficult.
- Philippians 4:6-7: Do Not Be Anxious – This passage encourages you to bring your anxieties to God in prayer and experience His peace. Rewrite it as a personal prayer, surrendering your worries and seeking His peace.
- 1 John 4:18: Perfect Love Casts Out Fear – This verse explores the connection between love and fear. Adapt it into a prayer, asking God to fill you with His perfect love and dispel any fears or anxieties.
These passages, with their diverse themes and powerful messages, can be transformed into deeply personal and meaningful prayers through the adaptation method. As you rewrite these scriptures in your own words, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and deepen your connection with God’s Word.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Contemplative Scripture Prayer Page
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post