We’re looking at scriptures related to the Building Blocks, spiritual practices we can adapt and use to “practice the presence of Christ.” Read more info about the blocks, or download the Soul Care Plan. Today’s Block is “Q” for Quiet Time.
Today’s scripture: Luke 11:1-4 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
“Now I lay me down to sleep…”
Are we really talking about quiet time here? The popular children’s prayer alluded to above is perhaps one way to help get a beginner acclimated to communing with God, but there is so much more to the activity than rote learning and reciting.
If Jesus — whom all of his followers are suppose to imitate — spent time alone with the One who sent him, then it would seem to be a mighty big indication that it’s an activity well worth practicing for sure!
Whichever of Jesus’ disciples made the request to be taught how to pray must have grasped the importance of solitude, too. He didn’t interrupt Jesus, but instead waited until our Lord had finished his own prayer. Too often I visit with God while having a “Hey, I can pencil ya in now for a couple of seconds” attitude. I should remember the importance of eliminating interruptions while spending time with the Creator of the Universe. I just can’t imagine God texting and creating planets at the same time; shouldn’t I exhibit an equal attention span?
In addition to the usual reasons I’ve heard for spending time alone with God (e.g., “Hear what you’re being told to do with your life”, “Listen to what God is telling you”, etc.), I’ve found out a few other reasons. One in particular stands out…
About five years ago, I was having quiet time with God. I decided to empty my mind of all thoughts and see what dazzling religious revelation God would impart to me. Instead, what flashed across my mind was the memory of something horrible that had happened to me more than 25 years earlier. I had suppressed all recollection of the incident for a quarter of a century. Then — BAM! There it was; smack-dab in the middle of quiet time.
Since then, that incident has made its way into many quiet times with God, and we’ve been dealing with it. Well, actually, some quiet times haven’t always been so “quiet” on this particular matter. But that’s okay, too.
Thought for the day: The Building Blocks themes may officially call today’s block “Quiet”, but I’m convinced it inherently includes such verbs as singing, laughing, crying, whispering, shouting, and a host of other honest actions and emotions that help us commune with God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.