7 Ways to PrayNäide

Sacred Reading: Praying through the Bible

When James Bryan Smith was at seminary, his faith began to shrivel up. His reading of the Bible became a chore instead of a life-giving exercise. In desperation, he went on a five-day retreat where he was introduced to the practice of lectio divina, which means “sacred reading.” It’s a devotional practice of praying through the words of Scripture, asking God to bring them alive through his Holy Spirit. 

The retreat guide asked James to engage with Luke 1:26-38 using this ancient practice, which entails prayerfully reading through the text four times with a sense of expectancy and awe. After a few stifled attempts, James finally cried out to God to help him, and the story came alive. No longer was the Bible something he sought to understand merely with his head, but it became God’s love letter that reached deeply into his heart. Through it he received God’s love, affirmation, correction, and comfort. 

Why not try out this practice of sacred reading with the same text that James used? Read it four times: first, read it through to familiarize yourself; second, read while reflecting on the content, asking God to highlight a word or phrase for you; third, read while responding to God, such as through praise, intercession, or petition; and fourth, read it once more while resting in God’s presence. How does the story of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary come alive? 

As we reflect and chew on God’s Word, we too can echo Mary’s words of obedience: “I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).

Living Word, thank you for the gift of your presence. As I read the Bible, open up the treasure of its words to me, bringing them to life through your Spirit.