A major resource, source of strength, guide and help for my years of ministry and life in general is what I call a morning quiet time. Close to the start of every day I spend time in prayer, Bible reading, meditation and journaling. I didn’t always do this in my Christian life (I made profession of faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord late in 1964) but probably began during my seminary internship year in 1971 which makes it forty years ago. I highly recommend this spiritual discipline for anyone for their soul life and spiritual development. I got started by following The Navigator’s pamphlet “Seven Minutes with God.” In prayer I seek to praise and thank God for God’s majesty and gracious work of salvation. I ask God to work in my life that which is in accord with God’s will and plan for me. I seek forgiveness for sin in my life. I pray for Holy Spirit to help me live the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Then I pray for my family members (I do prayers for church ministry and others later in my day). I read a passage of scripture which is the lectionary Bible reading for the day as published by our denomination. I then journal (write reflections) regarding my personal emotions, feelings, needs, experiences, response to scripture and hopes or goals. As I think about this time I see that this is really “nectar for my soul”.
Psalm 143:8, “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in You I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
The Spiritual Formation Bible gives the following reflection on that verse.
“With each new day, we have a fresh beginning in God’s love and faithfulness. Here, the psalmist seeks God’s presence from the first light of day. Although each of us has a unique body clock, there is something significant about beginning and ending the day with God. You do not need to be a ‘morning person’ to consecrate the start of your day to God. Perhaps as you drink your coffee, tea or juice, you could close your eyes and offer your day to God. Or when you take your shower, you could thank God for the gift of water and a new day. As you drive to work, you could offer praise and thanks to God and offer intercessory prayer for persons on your list.”
Henri Nouwen writes the following about silence which I believe could be applied to “quiet time” as well. Silence means rest, rest of body and mind, in which we become available for God. This is very threatening. It is like giving up control over our actions and thoughts, allowing something creative to happen not by us but to us. Without silence the Spirit will die in us and the creative energy of our life will float away and leave us alone, cold and tired. Without silence we will lose our center and become victims of the many who constantly demand our attention.”
Mark (1:35) reports this about Jesus; “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” As Jesus needed this time and practiced this discipline so also do we.
- Login to post comments
