A Simple Guide for Meditating on Scripture

A Simple Guide for Meditating on Scripture

The following is adapted from a letter that Martin Luther wrote to his barber about how to meditate on Scripture.  Meditating on Scripture is simply setting aside time to think through the connections between God’s Word and your life and for listening to what God might want to say to you in the process.

1. Pray that God would speak to you through his word.

2. Read a passage of Scripture out loud to yourself several times.  The repetition will slow you down enough to really hear the passage.

3. Next, ask three questions about the passage, and spend time thinking and praying about each of them. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal, writing down the prayers that each of these questions prompt:

  • What should I praise God for because of these words?
  • What should I confess to God about because of these words?
  • What should I ask God for because of these words?

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, Collect for Proper 28