30 for 30
Day Fifteen
We are halfway through the Gospel of Matthew, and so today we are going to do something different. Today we are going practice a time of extended silence and solitude.
Today is simple about waiting and listening.
Do you believe the Lord wants to speak to you?
Do you believe He longs to meet with you each day, guide you and call you into a wonderful hope-filled future?
Let’s create room today for encounter and transformation.
One
Put away your phone or any other distractions, settle into your time/place, and get comfortable
Two
Begin with a breathing prayer
- Close your eyes.
- Take long, deep, slow breaths (if you want, count 4 seconds in, 4 seconds wait, 4 seconds out, repeat). Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.
- Start to pay attention to your breathing. Just “watch” your breath go in and out.
- Release the constant chatter in your mind. Let each thought go as quickly as it comes, and just focus on your breathing.
- Your mind will sieze this opportunity to run wild with thoughts, feelings, memories, to do’s, and distractions. That’s okay. Don’t judge yourself, feel bad, give up, or worry. When you notice your mind start to wander, just re-centre with a quick prayer, like, “Father…” and come back to your breathing.
Three
Spend a few minutes “abiding in the vine”
- Transition from your breathing prayer to “the practice of the presence of God.”
- Notice God’s presence all around you, in you. For some people it’s helpful to imagine the Father is sitting in the chair across from you or on a throne.
- Welcome his love, joy, and peace from the Holy Spirit.
- If you want, open your mind and imagination to listen for God’s voice, or get something off your chest in prayer.
- But the main goal here is simply to “be with Jesus.” Don’t feel like you have to “do” anything. Just relax and enjoy his presence.
Four
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Wait and listen. Any thoughts that enter your mind, and scriptures or pictures – write them down. You may want to ask the Lord a specific question. Be patient and wait for Him.
