Quiet Time
I mentioned in an earlier missive my spiritual habit of a daily quiet time. Years ago, I heard from others of the joy such a discipline brings. Yet it has only been in recent years that it happened for me. What I have discovered is that I am more of a mystic than I ever imagined. I truly enjoy, yea need, a time each day for quiet reflection. I have to admit that the quiet time has never erased the difficulties of life I have faced. Hard times have still been hard times. But even on the most difficult days, the quiet time has been like an oasis of refreshment.
Here's how I do it. I rise early each day...before anyone else in our home is up. A cup of coffee is prepared and then I settle into my study at home. I begin with a relaxation exercise that was taught to me by Dr. Edward Thornton, my pastoral care professor at Southern Seminary some years ago. The few moments of relaxation help calm the spirit and create within a readiness for introspection. I then begin to read the Bible--at times in a systematic approach and at times randomly. The reading time will vary. And here is where my theology comes in. I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God to us. As such, the Bible is constantly speaking God's message. As I read, I am listening intently to hear what God is saying. After listening to God's Word, then I respond to what I sense God has said in His Word. Thus, my prayer life seeks to hear God speak first and then I respond--rather than I speak first and expect God to respond to me. It just works better that way for me.
I also have on the piano a number of hymnals...some that go back to childhood days. A hymn is chosen each day, one that has appeal to my spirit, which I sing "in my heart" (which means silently so as not to arouse the sleeping family...nor to disburb the chickens!). The words of the hymn, and its melody, touch deep chords of memory that daily bring back to mind experiences of faith in the past. Such memories, and reflections on them, have become true joyful resources for my living. The classic hymns of faith simply can't be replaced!
Toward the end of my prayer time I collect thoughts around all the persons on my prayer list. This list is quite lengthy. And I pray for each person and/or need with an honest request to God about what I want to happen, what I want God to do. God expects honesty from us. If I ask for anything less than what is in my heart then I am not honest.
The quiet time is ended with a brief time of listening again. Is there something else God wants me to hear today? Is there something God wants specifically for me to do today?
Each believer needs to develop a unique quiet time. Mine isn't what yours needs to be. But you can develop your own discipline of quiet--and I hope you will. Great rewards are there.
Blessings. Talk later. LM
Here's how I do it. I rise early each day...before anyone else in our home is up. A cup of coffee is prepared and then I settle into my study at home. I begin with a relaxation exercise that was taught to me by Dr. Edward Thornton, my pastoral care professor at Southern Seminary some years ago. The few moments of relaxation help calm the spirit and create within a readiness for introspection. I then begin to read the Bible--at times in a systematic approach and at times randomly. The reading time will vary. And here is where my theology comes in. I believe the Bible truly is the Word of God to us. As such, the Bible is constantly speaking God's message. As I read, I am listening intently to hear what God is saying. After listening to God's Word, then I respond to what I sense God has said in His Word. Thus, my prayer life seeks to hear God speak first and then I respond--rather than I speak first and expect God to respond to me. It just works better that way for me.
I also have on the piano a number of hymnals...some that go back to childhood days. A hymn is chosen each day, one that has appeal to my spirit, which I sing "in my heart" (which means silently so as not to arouse the sleeping family...nor to disburb the chickens!). The words of the hymn, and its melody, touch deep chords of memory that daily bring back to mind experiences of faith in the past. Such memories, and reflections on them, have become true joyful resources for my living. The classic hymns of faith simply can't be replaced!
Toward the end of my prayer time I collect thoughts around all the persons on my prayer list. This list is quite lengthy. And I pray for each person and/or need with an honest request to God about what I want to happen, what I want God to do. God expects honesty from us. If I ask for anything less than what is in my heart then I am not honest.
The quiet time is ended with a brief time of listening again. Is there something else God wants me to hear today? Is there something God wants specifically for me to do today?
Each believer needs to develop a unique quiet time. Mine isn't what yours needs to be. But you can develop your own discipline of quiet--and I hope you will. Great rewards are there.
Blessings. Talk later. LM
posted by Lee McGlone | 2:25 PM
1 Comments:
Yea i believe we all need that time away from this world. Time to just be. I like what Mike Evans says in his book "Wasting Time With God" he said that God wants us to be and not be doing all the time. It is more important to him to just be with him. I try in my own life to do that however like you i have found it difficult. Even more now. However as you have gotten diciplined i need to do so as well.
I enjoy times with God at night. Everyone in the deplux is either out or sleeping. the sound of silence is beautiful. A time to sit in my abba's arms and be, blessings, Amanda
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