Use the Pray-It Method When Reading Scripture

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Use the Pray-It Method When Reading Scripture BY RICK WARREN —

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water” (Psalm 23:1-2 GNT).

You can use a variety of methods to meditate on Scripture and apply it to your life. Each will emphasize something a little different, but the goal is always to get the most out of your time in the Word.
With the pray-it method, you put whatever passage you’re studying in first-person and pray it back to God. Using this method, you don’t have to wonder whether to pray or read the Bible first during your quiet time. You do them together! And you know your prayer will be answered because it’s in Scripture.
Here’s how you might do it with Psalm 23: “Thank you, Lord, for being my shepherd. Thank you for making me lie down in green pastures. Thank you for leading me beside quiet waters. Thank you for restoring my soul. Thank you for guiding me in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.”
Stop and think about the prayer for a bit. Has God ever made you lie down? Sometimes we don’t have enough sense to rest or relax. Sometimes God forces you to lie down. Sometimes he makes you lie down in green pastures because you are not taking care of yourself. That’s something to thank God for!
Have you ever felt down and depressed but then God restored you? Does God lead you down right paths? Of course! Psalm 23 provides a great opportunity to thank God for what he has done in your life.
Meditating on Scripture using the pray-it method will open up a whole new world to you in God’s Word.

Talk It Over
How will using the pray-it method help your prayer life in general?
What are you thanking God for today? How has he been working in your life?
What other methods of Bible study help you get the most out of your quiet time with God?