In regard to caring for your own heart (Scripture tells us to "guard" the heart) you have established rhythms of "soul (heart)care" whether you've stopped to recognize them or not! How often do you read "soul food?" How often do you stop and intentionally reflect on your inner life & consider the development and growth of your soul (the part of you that is eternal- according to God's Word!). Whether it's sporadic or a regular routine - it's there- your own "soul care rhythm"!
As Pastor Richard invites us to examine our own hearts in the recent sermon series we are engaging a spiritual rhythm that is Biblically and historically key to soul care- the rhythm of the Church calendar that invites us to revisit annually the "rhythms of grace" in the life of Christ. (see Matt 11:28-29 in The Message- it's beautiful!)
Right now we are in the season of Lent ("spring") when we examine our own hearts clearing away the soul-clutter that has distracted us from our life with God and distorted our images and understandings of God's nature and character. We do this to intentionally create a welcoming space of sacred hospitality to receive fresh, new revelations of the resurrected Christ as we celebrate Easter in just a few more weeks.
As you consider your own heart's condition in preparation to minister to others in prayer - read John 14: 27-30 out loud (slowly) 3 times, listening each time for a word or phrase that seems to catch your attention more than any other. Perhaps you will want to listen for anything regarding the rhythms of your own heart...above all, pay attention to what grabs YOU!
Next, put your Bible down and spend 5 minutes just pondering the word or phrase. What does it mean to you? What about it seems to draw you? What questions, images, memories, or relationships does it bring to mind? What feelings does it evoke? Consider the condition of your own heart in relation to what word or phrase you are drawn to.
Now spend 2-5 minutes telling God what you think about what you have just experienced. ASK your questions, SEEK to tell God your honest and most intimate thoughts, offering them as invitation to engage dialogue with God. Say what you need to say and hold nothing back- God is longing for you to come openly and without reserve.
Finally, LISTEN. Sit quietly and openly for 2-5 minutes and just listen. This may seem hard and awkward but just give it a try and see what happens! Pay attention to your next thoughts and whether or not they are new to you or tend to draw you toward God. If they do - consider if you believe this to be God speaking to you! God is always speaking in one form or another - our part is to ask for increased awareness & then pay attention!! If other thoughts invade the space - just let them go and return to your focus on God as much as you are able.
CLOSE your time thanking God for this encounter and inviting God to encounter others Sunday as begin this ministry of prayer in our worship services. Consider anything you have learned about yourself, God, or others that will impact prayer ministry for you.
May the God of all grace grant you peace, joy, and wisdom as you offer yourself to God and others through the ministry of Prayer!
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