Praying Scripture: How to Use the Bible in Prayer
Praying Scripture — taking the words of the Bible and turning them into prayer — is one of the most transformative practices in the Christian life. It addresses two of the most common obstacles to prayer: not knowing what to say and not knowing whether what you're asking is in God's will. When you pray God's own words back to Him, both problems dissolve. This guide shows you how to start this practice today.
Why Pray Scripture?
The Bible is God's self-revelation — His own words about Himself, His will, His promises, and His ways. When we pray those words back to Him, several powerful things happen:
First, our prayers align with God's will. 'This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us' (1 John 5:14). Praying Scripture dramatically increases the likelihood that our prayers are in alignment with what God has already promised and willed.
Second, our minds are renewed. Praying Scripture forces us to think about what the text actually says and means — then connect it to our real circumstances. This is meditation in the active sense: not emptying the mind, but filling it with truth.
Third, our vocabulary for God expands. Many of us pray in the same small phrases. Praying Scripture introduces new language — new ways of addressing God, describing our needs, and expressing our trust.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
— 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
How to Pray a Psalm
The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible — 150 prayers already written, covering every human experience. Here is a simple method for praying a psalm:
1. READ the psalm slowly, once through. 2. IDENTIFY the main emotion or theme: trust, lament, gratitude, wonder, confession. 3. PERSONALIZE each verse by inserting your name and your specific circumstances. 4. SPEAK it back to God as if it were your own words — because it now is.
Example using Psalm 23: Instead of reading 'The Lord is my shepherd,' pray: 'Lord, You are my shepherd. You are my shepherd in this specific situation with my family. I confess I have been anxious as if I lacked, but today I choose to say: because You are my shepherd, I lack nothing. Lead me today in paths of righteousness...'
This transforms a familiar text from recitation into genuine encounter.
Praying the Prayers of Paul
Paul's letters contain some of the most beautiful intercessory prayers in Scripture — and they translate directly into personal prayer:
EPHESIANS 1:17–19: 'I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.' Pray this for yourself: 'Lord, give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know You better. Open the eyes of my heart...'
EPHESIANS 3:16–19: 'I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being...' Pray this for someone you love: 'Lord, out of Your glorious riches, strengthen [name] with power through Your Spirit in their inner being...'
PHILIPPIANS 1:9–11: 'This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight...' Pray this for your church, your small group, your family.
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
— Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
Praying God's Promises
The Bible is full of specific promises from God. Praying these promises is an act of faith — you are standing on what God has said and asking Him to fulfill it in your specific situation.
Examples:
'Lord, Your Word says You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on You (Isaiah 26:3). My mind is anxious today about [specific situation]. I fix my mind on You now and ask for that perfect peace.'
'Father, You promised that if I lack wisdom I can ask You and You will give it generously without finding fault (James 1:5). I need wisdom for [specific decision]. I ask You now for that wisdom.'
'Lord, You said that all things work together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). I believe that about this situation — [describe it] — even though I cannot see how yet.'
This practice builds faith over time. As you record these prayers and their outcomes, you build a personal testimony of God's faithfulness.
Getting Started This Week
Here is a simple starting plan for incorporating Scripture prayer this week:
Day 1–2: Choose Psalm 23. Read it, then pray through it verse by verse, personalizing each line. Day 3–4: Choose Psalm 91. Pray each promise as your own declaration of trust. Day 5–6: Pray Ephesians 3:14–21 for yourself and someone you love. Day 7: Choose one promise from Philippians 4:4–7 and base your entire prayer around it.
After a week, you will have a felt sense of how different Scripture-based prayer is from improvised prayer — and you will likely want to continue.
Key Takeaways
- Praying Scripture aligns our requests with God's will and His own words.
- The Psalms are the prayer book of Scripture — ready-made prayers for every season.
- Paul's apostolic prayers translate directly into personal and intercessory prayer.
- Praying God's promises is an act of faith: standing on what He has said.
- A one-week starter plan makes this immediately practical.
A Prayer
Lord, teach me to pray Your words back to You. Let the Bible move from a text I read to a conversation I have. May Your Word fill my prayers with precision, faith, and depth. Amen.