A
Method for Praying over Scriptures
also
called
The
Exercise of the Three Powers
This
is the traditional Christian method for meditating on
Scripture or on anything else. Simply, the method is
to confront something and ask questions about it until
we come to a decision that affects our life. It is that
simple. Anyone who is willing to make decisions can
do it. Only people who dodge decisions fail.
These steps activate the basic human powers of memory,
intellect and will. But prayer is not just a human exercise.
So first we pause for a moment, clear our minds, recall
the presence of God and ask God to help us. Then we
begin.
Memory serves up the material. This step may
begin with reading, since writings are just recorded
memory. The key is to actually confront some line
or thought that strikes us. Stop; notice what it says.
Focus on it to mine it for meaning.
Intellect
works by asking questions and trying to answer them.
We ask what is said; why; what it challenges us to
do; how we can respond; why we want to respond or
why not. The questions should be questions that lead
to action: "What action would express belief
in what I have seen? Hope that God will help me? Love
for the God who asks?" As we ask questions, God
helps and inspires us.
Will is the power of free choice. Choices are
the goal of our prayer. By choices we give shape to
our souls. To believe, hope and love are choices.
So are concrete decisions to do things that express
faith, hope or love. To be sure you are being real,
make at least one decision to do something so concrete
you can close your eyes and see yourself doing it.
We conclude our reflection by talking to God in our
own words about what we have seen and what we desire
to do about it. We ask God to help us. We can end with
an Our Father, Hail Mary, or some other prayer.
Praying over Scripture simply means reflecting on the
Word of God until we reach decisions that change our life.
