When we pray the "Our Father," we are praying part of the Bible (Mt 6:9-13). Consider extending this and make praying the Bible one of your principal Lenten practices. Pray it word for word as far as possible. Just change the words slightly to put them in the form of a prayer. For example, you can pray the end of today's first reading: "Father, may Your word that goes forth from Your mouth not return to You void but do Your will, achieving the end for which You sent it" (see Is 55:11). Also, try to personalize the prayer. For example, in the above prayer, you may pray: "Father, may Your word to me concerning repentance from unforgiveness not return to You void."

Sometimes you may not pray the Bible word for word, but it will inspire you to pray for intentions and pray in ways you would have never thought of otherwise. Furthermore, when you pray the Bible, you will be challenged to repent. God's ways are often not our ways (Is 55:8). We will have to deny ourselves, not do our will, and do God's will to pray the Bible. Finally, when we pray the Bible, we will see our prayers answered, for we will not be praying in our name but in Jesus' name (Jn 14:14). Pray the Bible.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.