It came rather as a shock to me a few years ago that if we truly want
to grow closer to our Lord, we must spend quiet time with Him. I
realized that I had been a bit too proud at giving God my "grocery list"
of things that I thought He needed to do for me and others. I now
understand that might be o.k. at times. However, I also need to be silently with Him if I want to hear what He wants to tell me!
Total
silence seems to be the best way for me to start this time;
additionally, I do a little deep breathing along with a "breath prayer."
(These short prayers can be as simple as "Jesus," "Abide in me," "Open
my heart.") Then comes the hard part of trying to de-clutter my mind!
When worries or thoughts about the day's activities come flying in, I
try to immediately let them move out like leaves in a breeze blowing
down a stream. Some people find it helpful to have quiet Christian music
playing and others find it beneficial to first dwell on a scripture
passage.
I'll have to admit that I usually don't have
many moments of "epiphany." However, it somestimes amazes me that God's
Peace and Presence have shown up when most needed - weeks later.
Friends
tell me that for them, they feel a certain word or scripture was opened
up to them during this quiet time. What about you? Do you have daily
quiet times with our Lord? Please share with us how you have made this
part of your worship time - and if you feel that this has been a time of
spiritual growth for you.
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