How to Pray Scripture: Turning God's Word Into Your Prayers
When you don't know what to pray, pray what God has already said. Praying Scripture fills your prayers with His promises instead of only your worries.
Why pray the Bible?
God's Word "shall not return unto me void" (Isaiah 55:11). When you pray Scripture, you're agreeing with what God has already promised. It also stretches your prayers beyond your own concerns and teaches you how God's people have prayed for thousands of years. The Psalms were Israel's prayer book, and Jesus Himself prayed them, even from the cross (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1).
A simple method: Read, Repeat, Respond
- Read the verse slowly, twice.
- Repeat it back to God in your own words, changing "he" to "You" and "us" to "me."
- Respond with what the verse brings up: praise, a confession, a request.
Example: Psalm 23:1-3
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Lord, You are my Shepherd. Because You lead me, I don't have to be afraid of lack. I've been running hard; make me lie down and rest. Lead me to still waters today. Restore my soul where it's worn out, and keep me on the right path, not for my reputation but for Yours.
Example: Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Father, I'm anxious about ________. You tell me not to be anxious but to bring it to You, so here it is. Thank You for every time You've provided before. Guard my heart and my mind with Your peace, the kind I can't explain.
Example: Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Lord, I want to trust You with my whole heart, not just the parts I can't handle. I admit I've been leaning on my own understanding about ________. I acknowledge You in this decision. Direct my path.
Where to start
The Psalms are the natural place to begin. Our 365-day prayer calendar gives you a verse for every day of the year, and today's prayer walks you through it step by step.
