If you are new to the experience of prayer, keep in mind that when the Lord speaks to us it is always consistent with what the Bible reveals about His ways and character, and that often when He speaks, we know it's His voice because of how contrary to our flesh and weakness His words sound. He might bring someone or something specific to mind. He might remind you of a Bible verse or passage. God initiates the experience, and we take Him up on the awesome invitation to hear His voice. Throughout the week, reflect on your experience. Consider praying for them in unique ways and times, perhaps during your lunch break or after parking your car, or return to these names before going to sleep each night this week. Lastly, if the Lord put names on your heart ahead of or during this prayer time, intercede for them throughout the week ahead. Send me out with your blessing, to live and to witness for you in the power of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead. I give you thanks and praise for accepting me into your family. I have sat at your feet, learned from your word, and eaten from your table. To end your time, pray this prayer, adapted from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer: Rest: Take a few minutes to rest in God’s truth and His love for you, breathing deeply and abiding with Him in the silence and stillness. Respond: As you reflect on what resonated and process why you think it did, turn these thoughts into prayer, whether in your own words or simply repeating the words of Scripture to God as your prayer.
Turn the words of God over in your heart and mind. Meditate on the truths present here, about God’s character and work and about you and His purpose for you. This time, pause as you go over what resonated with you during the first reading. Note any words or phrases or pictures or ideas that resonate with you as you read. This first movement is about encountering the word of God and listening deeply. Read: To begin, simply read through Psalm 23, but do so with patience and appreciation. It follows four specific movements that are easy to incorporate in your prayer time but will require of you focus and surrender: Though the phrase might be new to you and its description might inspire hesitation or fear, the process is actually quite simple and not too different from what we have done the last three weeks in daily prayer. This Latin phrase refers to “spiritual reading,” an approach to prayerfully encountering Scripture that communities of believers have participated in for fifteen centuries of faith. For Jesus Christ’s sake,įor this week, we’re going to build on the previous weeks of practice and open up space to listen and respond to the Spirit through the Christian practice of Lectio Divina. Take my heart, and set it on fire with love for you. Open your time with this prayer, adapted from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer: Finally, as all settles, take a deep breath and rest. Consider what has hindered prayer the last couple weeks and make necessary changes to prepare. Building on the experience of the previous two weeks, consider incorporating aids to your practice, like lighting a scented candle or taking a new body posture as you pray. Find a space that feels inviting and open and uncluttered, inside or outside. Plan on setting aside at least twelve to fifteen minutes to start each new day this week. He understands what we are going through and will be with us every step of the way, even through death itself.
Jesus is the only shepherd who knows what it is like to be a sheep. Is our shepherd out of touch with reality? Hardly.
He wants us to rejoice in him in the midst of our troubles. God has a celebration meal with us not after we finally get out of the dark valley but in the middle of it, in the presence of our enemies.
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