Growth is a process that takes time. It also requires us to be intentional and take specific actions. A discipline God has been using in my spiritual growth the past few years is what I call “praying the scriptures” or “scriptural meditation.” I talked about this a little bit in my sermon on prayer last month, but essentially it involves reading a verse of scripture – slowly and repeatedly – while reflecting on what it says and allowing the Holy Spirit to apply the words, phrases, and message of the verse to my life. I then pray by responding to what God shows me. Thus my prayer life becomes more of a conversation between me and the Father than a monologue where I do all the talking. It also helps me pray about the things that God says instead of just about what is on my mind.
What I did not mention in that sermon on prayer was that I usually write some notes in a journal while praying the scriptures. While I often journal about daily events, this is a different journal. I write the thoughts that come to me while reflecting on the verses and even record some of the directions God gives me. I sometimes record a brief prayer – just a quick sentence or two that summarizes my conversation with God.
The sermon series I started yesterday titled “thrive” came from an extended day of praying the scripture in March 2014. I was on a study retreat and praying through the first chapter of I Timothy. That was nearly 16 months ago but I’ve known since then I was going to preach through this chapter.
The sermon series was not the only thing God revealed to me that day. In my notes I listed some other things in my life and ministry I believed the Lord was leading me to do. Some were things I had been thinking about; while others were things I had already started on a small scale. What God did that day was bring clarity. One of those dealt with mentoring and developing others – younger ministers, lay leaders in the church, and specific believers. Since then I’ve taken concrete steps in each area, with plans for two more initiatives this fall.
The truth is I could write a chapter or more in a book about my conversation with God that day. When we take the time to listen and talk to our Lord, a lot can happen. I encourage you to develop the spiritual discipline of connecting your praying with what God says in His Word. Expose your life and heart to your Lord and have honest conversations with Him. This is one of the keys to growing in Christ. It will help you “thrive” in your relationship with Jesus.
One final note – sometimes God will surprise you. Yesterday one of the young ladies who went on last week’s youth mission trip to Kentucky came to me because she wanted to encourage me. She told me she was given the opportunity to lead a Bible study with a group of kids at the camp and she developed her study from notes she had taken when I preached that sermon on prayer last month. She showed me her notes and wanted me to know that God was using me. That was a really good moment in my day. Equally exciting for me was seeing how excited she was. That really blessed me.
Prepare your heart for Sunday by reading the first chapter of I Timothy every day this week. As Sunday approaches, focus on verses 3-11 by reading them slowly and out loud. Reflect on each verse. Think about the phrases and words in those verses. Talk to God out loud while you reflect on those verses. Think out loud. Listen for God because He will speak to you. Take your time and have a conversation with the Lord. God wants you to “thrive.”
Pastor Steve Hogg
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