Praying with the Bible

Here's how to prepare:
1. Use your own bible - (have a highlighter or pen or pencil to mark up the passage).
2. Use a journal to note the words and phrases that stand out and ways you plan to respond
3. Set a timer for 15 minutes (or more)
4. Make the Sign of the Cross and pray: "Jesus,, speak to me"
5. Follow the steps

Steps for the prayer
1. Read
2. Reflect
3. Respond
4. Rest

1. Read: Read the passage slowly, possibly out-loud, listening for a word, phrase, or image that stands out to you, one that the Holy Spirit might be calling to your attention. Repetition is good; re-read the passage 3 or 4 times if you wish, but re-read at least once following a pause after the initial reading. Write down any word, phrase or image that stands out to you, also feel free to underline or highlight in the bible.
2. Reflect: Let your mind ponder the word/phrase/image that stood out to you. Ask Jesus "Why is this word or phrase jumping out at me, what are you trying to reveal to me?  Ask him to show you how this passage applies to you, and where you need his renewal in your life. Take as you ask Jesus these questions. Take notes as you think about these questions. Think about the setting, re-imagine the event, put yourself in the story, consider people’s reactions if the story is a narrative — whatever it takes for the word(s) to become fuller and more meaningful. Ignatius recommends using as many of your senses as you can imagining a scene: feeling, smell, sound, sight. Consider what you hear God speaking to your heart through the word or phrase.
3. Respond: Begin conversing with Jesus - maybe even write this conversation to him as a prayer. Remember he cares deeply about every aspect of your life. Talk to him as you would a parent, a sibling, or a trusted friend.
If appropriate, write down something you want to do different in  life based on this time of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live it out. Feel free to entrust your resolution to Mary, a favorite Saint, or your Guardian Angel.
4. Rest: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Try praying this verse for a few minutes by slowly saying it like this:
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know that I
Be still and know
Be still
Be

Repeat this a few times.

Below are 30 scriptures to help you get started with this challenge.
Another option is to use the gospel from the daily Mass readings.
1. Matthew 16:13-17
Who do you say that I am?
2. Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus walks on water.
3. Matthew 20:20-28
Servant of all
4.Matthew 3:13-17
The baptism of Jesus.
5. Mark 10:17-31
The challenge of Jesus.
6. Matthew 25:31-40
Jesus identifies with the poor.
7. John 4:1-42
Jesus offers living water.
8. Mark 9:30-37
Willing to give at all.
9. John 12:1-8
Worthy of all honor
10. Luke 5:1-11
Put out into the deep.
11. John 10:7-18
The Good Shepherd.
12. John 13:1-17
The call to humble service
13. Mark 1:21-39
A day with Jesus.
14. Luke 10:38-42
You need only one thing.
15. Luke 22:14-20
Body given and blood shed for you.
16. Mark 2:1-12
Jesus forgives and heals.
17. John 11:1-44
Jesus raises the dead.
18. Matthew 26:36-46
Surrendered to the Father’s will
19. Luke 7:36-50
Jesus sees us.
20. John 8:1-11
Jesus doesn’t condemn.
21. Luke 23:33-47
Jesus gives everything for you.
22. Mark 4:35-41
Jesus calms the storm.
23. Mark 10:46-52
What do you want me to do for you?
24. John 20:1-18
Jesus is alive.
25. Mark 5:25-34
Your faith has saved you.
26. Luke 19:1-10
Jesus invites himself over.
27. Luke 24:13-34
Jesus known in the word and bread
28. Mark 6:30-44
Jesus feeds the 5,000.
29. Luke 15:11-32
Jesus’ forgiving father.
30. Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus calls you.