A new book written by Dr. William Varner

The great reformer, Martin Luther wrote: 

“We cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by the intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer.” 

Prayer and Scripture go hand in hand. They are both important for our spiritual growth. Dr. William Varner’s book, Handbook for Praying Scripture, is a valuable resource for learning how to pray using the words of the Bible. It is available through Three Sixteen Publishing (2023).

Dr. Varner notes in his preface that praying Scripture is the essence of the Lord’s Prayer, which is given to the Disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. We are encouraged to pray this prayer daily, as suggested by the early Christian writing called the Didache.

In this book, you will find prayers for different occasions, such as daily prayers for a month and a week, as well as prayers from Church history, Christian holidays, and prayers for everyday Christian life. It also includes a scripture index for easy reference.

This prayer book is unique because it uses the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) which translates God’s name as Yahweh. This makes prayer more personal and meaningful. For example, the first prayer of adoration on Day 1 reflects this.

“I will bless Yahweh at all times; 

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul will make its boast in Yahweh;

The humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify Yahweh with me,

And let us exalt His name together.”

• Psalm 34:1-3 (LSB).

In Scripture, we are told to praise and bless God’s name. Using God’s name as given in Exodus 3:14-15 can be a source of encouragement and inspiration in our prayers.

Praying Scripture helps us grow as believers and allows God’s words to dwell within us. In difficult times when we don’t know what to pray, we can find comfort in reciting verses and passages from the Bible. God’s words are a source of strength and reassurance, especially when our own words fail us. Praying through books like Job and Psalms can provide solace and encouragement. The power of God’s words sustains us in our spiritual journey.

In the Handbook for Praying Scripture, there are pauses after every few verses or passages. They are designed to help us reflect on the verses and passages we have just prayed. Statements such as “Pause to bless God” and “Pause to recognize that although God is in heaven, He can still be addressed as your Father” are scattered throughout the book and on every page. They are purposely given so that we will stop, reflect, and pray, much like in the Psalms where we often find the word “Selah” used. The Hebrew reader knew that it was given as a point of rest, a time to reflect on what was said.

When we pray Scripture, it can also help us become aware of our shortcomings. I must admit that when I started reading Dr. Varner’s book, I quickly realized this important point. Sometimes, when debating with atheists online, it’s easy to focus on winning the argument rather than remembering that there are real people on the other side who are loved by God. This became clear to me after a heated exchange online when I came across a Scripture passage from Psalm 139:23-24 during my prayer time as found in Dr. Varner’s book.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;

try me and know my anxious thoughts; 

And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way.”

The section immediately followed with “Pause to confess to God any specific sins that are bothering you.”  Being somewhat stubborn I ignored the obvious and continued on.  The next page as part of that day’s prayer (from Day 1) listed Colossians 4:5-6 and Psalm 19:14,

“May I walk in wisdom towards outsiders,

redeeming the time.  Let my words always be

with grace, seasoned with salt, so that I will

know how I should answer each person.”

“Let the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer.”

This was followed with, “Pause to ask God to help you in your relationship with unbelievers.”

Ouch! God knew about my day’s exchange – and God used Scripture, and Dr. Varner’s words and chosen Bible passages, to speak to me and correct me. You will find the same. Perhaps a correction, encouragement, reflection, or some instruction; but be assured that as we pray God’s word, He uses His word to make us more like Christ.

There are also several lined blank pages which are wonderful places to write your own favorite passages to pray, or to list loved ones to pray for.

I highly recommend this delightful Handbook for Praying Scripture.  As noted, it has already worked in my life and I am looking forward to its continued work as I reread and apply it.