Topoford, have you heard of Lectio Divina?
"Traditionally Lectio Divina has 4 separate steps: read, meditate, pray and contemplate. First a passage of Scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God." (Wikipedia definition)
Here is a very useful nuts and bolts link:
How to Practice Lectio Divina by Father Luke Dysinger, O.S.B. --Praying the BIble and Scripture - Beliefnet.com