We asked parishioners throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit to share how they approach the Scriptures. Here’s what they had to say!

Thomas Graves, St. Paul on the Lake parish, Grosse Pointe Farms

I love to read God’s word in the morning. I light a candle to mark God’s time. Then I pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the words I read. I read the Bible. And then I close by praying that God would use his word to guide me and to allow me to guide others to the heart of Jesus. It is amazing how often something happens — and I have the “right words” because I read the Bible that day.

Monsignor Patrick Halfpenny, St. Paul on the Lake parish, Grosse Pointe Farms

When praying, I read it aloud. God’s word is meant to be heard. I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me to the word or image that he wants to use to shape my heart.

Renee Bates, St. John Vianney parish, Shelby Township

With an open mind, an open heart and an honest desire to understand what God is telling me.

Prateep Ghose , St. Mary, Our Lady of the Snows parish, Milford

I approach sacred Scripture as the living word of God speaking to me today in the 21st century as it did to the believers in the first century. I find that each time I read the Gospels, particularly, I find new meaning which I hadn’t realized before. The Gospels are a source of inspiration and comfort to me, giving me a warm feeling that our Lord Jesus is with me, walking with me, next to me.

Susanne Kain, Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, Plymouth

Ever since I took the Oremus study and learned Lectio Divina, I have been using the daily readings in that fashion. This method of prayer intentionally slows me down, and the Lord never fails to give me one word or phrase from his Scriptures into my new day to ponder over, pray with and attempt to live well.

James Flaherty, Our Lady Star of the Sea parish, Grosse Pointe Woods

I start each day with the daily Magnificat readings, followed by the Mass readings. With the New American Bible on my same device, quotes that seem difficult to understand are readily found and context is provided. It makes Scripture much more understandable.

Anthony Wheeler, St. Mary Magdalen parish, Melvindale

I really enjoy Lectio Divina. It allows me to be calm and absorb God’s message. I feel that I am experiencing Scripture rather than reading it.

Jean Corbat, Immaculate Conception parish, Ira Township

Reading and reflection have led me to a spiritual relationship. A favorite Scripture passage is Exodus 33:16-23 and 34:5-9. Moses’ relationship with the Lord God offers us a vehicle to have the same relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We each have an opportunity to be an intimate friend.

Jennifer Marheine, St. Daniel parish, Clarkston

I approach the Scriptures with a deep appreciation for what I can learn from them. They are the word of God. Each passage can teach you something new depending on what is currently going on in your life. There is hope, wisdom and love to be gained from reading and rereading Scripture.

Patti Michaelson, Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, Plymouth

I approach with the Holy Spirit leading me and leaving me with an open heart to receive the Father’s love. Scripture is his love letter to us. I read slowly, one word at a time … stop and listen to what God is telling me. I can read the same verse many times, only to be surprised when it speaks to my heart.