Preparing to meet a new friend today (Bob), specifically to talk about matters of faith and fellowship. How to have a 30 minute quiet time (using The Lord’s Prayer)
The Bible is way more honest about life than the church. We don't need formulas. Keep it simple, keep honest/real and keep it going.
Pray continually. (1 Thes 6:17) is to have a "a constant attitude of intercession, even as we go about our daily routines...we can maintain a natural, ongoing conversation with the Lord that encompasses our whole lives...Through our time with Him, we discover His goodness, faithfulness and wonderful direction for our lives. We also find the strength and wisdom for every turn on our paths so we can experience all He has created us for....When we develop a prayerful outlook, eventually our communication with the Lord becomes our first instinct in every situation — not only when we face a challenge or encounter a difficulty. And in time, it will never occur to us not to pray." - What Does It Mean to “Pray Continually”?
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Matthew 6:7-8 MSG
How to have a 30 minute quiet time (using The Lord’s Prayer)
(2 min) Our Father in heaven
Be still. Sit quietly and ask “Where is the evidence of the Father’s love in my life right now?” Give thanks.
(3 min) Hallowed be your name
Read a Psalm or listen to a worship song.
(3 min) Your kingdom come, your will be done.
What would it look like for God’s kingdom to come in the three circles of your life today:
1. Pray for your own needs
2. Pray for your friends and family (perhaps using the Inner Room app)
3. Pray for the wider world (perhaps focusing on situations in the news).
(15 min) Give us this day our daily bread
Using a bible reading guide, if you find it helpful, read from a Gospel, a New Testament epistle, and then from the Old Testament. The emphasis here is on quality not quantity. When a phrase resonates with you, treat it as if God is starting a conversation by pausing to pray about it.
(2 min) Forgive us our sins as we forgive others
Review the last 24 hours, allowing the Holy Spirit to challenge any sinful thoughts, words and deeds. Are there people to whom you need to apologise, or others you need to forgive?
(2 min) Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Pray protection for yourself and for those you love, especially in areas of vulnerability. If you are under spiritual attack, take authority, standing on relevant promises from the bible.
(3 min) For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours…
Finish by listening to another worship song or returning to the psalm with which you started.
No comments:
Post a Comment