Video summary

How to Pray with Scripture Like a Friar

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key wellness / self-care / productivity strategies (from the video)

  • Use “nervous system” prep to enter prayer calmly

    • Go to a quiet, prayerful place
    • Take deep breaths to settle yourself
    • Treat prayer like a workout warm-up: spend about 10–15% of the total time “stretching” (relaxing, chilling, settling)

  • Set your mindset with a “pump-up” scripture

    • Pick a short scripture passage that helps you feel mentally and spiritually ready
    • Example used: John — “If you abide in my word… you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”

  • Be honest to reduce friction and self-pressure

    • Start with an “open and honest” prayer (e.g., admitting you feel tired, distracted, don’t know if you want to do it)
    • Ask for help: strength to persevere and God’s Spirit to be with you

  • Build focus through journaling

    • Plan to journal during prayer to stay anchored and engaged
    • Use journaling to:
      • Turn impressions into a conversation with God
      • Note what feels like God may be prompting you toward

Core methodology: “Lectio Divina” (Praying with Scripture like a Friar)

A flexible, relational method (not one-size-fits-all), structured in phases:

Step 1: Lexio (Reading)

  • Start with a short daily passage (about 10–12 verses or less)
  • Suggested ways to choose the text:
    • Open Matthew 1, read the first 10–12 verses
    • Or use a resource that provides the “gospel of the day”
  • Reading rhythm:
    • Read the whole passage 3 times
      • Gather context (characters, situation)
      • Ask imaginative “basic” questions to engage attention (e.g., sensory/emotional details and character feelings)
    • Read it 3 more times, with less text
      • Focus on one verse or a few key verses that stood out
    • Read the smallest portion 4 times (approx.)
      • Reduce to a very bite-sized line you can sit with and potentially memorize
      • “Chew” on it slowly through reflection

Step 2: Meditatio (Meditation / Reflecting)

  • Continue “chewing on” the word
  • Let the reflections lead naturally into conversation with God (“fluidity” rather than rigidity)

Step 3: Oratio (Prayer / Conversation)

  • Turn what you noticed into prayer and relationship language
  • Journaling approach recommended:
    • “Lord, this passage is beautiful, but it doesn’t match my lived experience…”
    • Ask for God to be the most attractive reality in your life
  • If you sense God is speaking:
    • It’s okay to write it down as a possible prompt
    • Then review later with wisdom, prudence, and prayer to see if it’s fruitful

Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplation / Rest)

  • Shift from “doing” to receptivity and enjoyment
  • Visual metaphor:
    • After the preparation work, you sit back, rest, and enjoy God’s presence (like enjoying the shore/sun)
  • Emphasis:
    • Grace can’t be forced—rest in what God has said or done

Closing practices (after prayer)

  • Gratitude + integration
    • Give thanks for:
      • What God said/did
      • The gift of persevering in prayer
    • Ask for grace to live out whatever commitments/action steps emerged
  • End with a sign of the cross and then go about your day

Presenters / sources

  • Father Mark Mary (Franciscan friars of the Renewal)
  • Scripture source cited: Gospel of John (John 8:31–32 theme used)
  • Other scripture context mentioned: Gospel of Matthew (example: Matthew 1:1–10/12)

Original video