One of the constants in the way of discipleship is personal devotional time. “Religious people say their prayers, read their Bible, have their quiet time.” But if you are like me there are times I don’t want to be religious that way; there are times when I’m too busy to be religious that way; there are times when circumstances seem to make devotional time impossible. And our world is different! Yet there pulls at me the reminder that any relationship that is to develop, grow, and deepen, requires together time. God really is no different on this score. Yes, God is there always; yes, God is a part of all of daily living, yes, I am about doing God’s work constantly but …
Being intentional about personal devotional time requires the best of our willing and creating I think. Our personal uniqueness is a part of who God created so ‘one size fits’ all won’t work. Each of us must find our own way. Some need regularity, some variety; some need lengthy input, others just a word; some want traditional ways, others the new. Even if you already have a devotional time it may be worthwhile to spend some time considering this discipline. Certainly if you don’t regularly have this spiritual practice, it is worth considering. Numerous helps are available—our church supplies the booklet These Days for daily reading, devotional books abound (the Spiritual Journey group is using Joyce Rupp’s Open the Door). For those whose life centers on modern technology various websites will daily guide your meditations. Two sites I’d like to mention that I have found helpful: Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest daily sends a short and thoughtful reading each day from his webpage www.cacradicalgrace.org. If you sign up it will come to your inbox regularly—the pictures are great. And the church www.pcusa.org will send you the daily lectionary readings if you sign up in the devotions and readings section. Both these will prompt your time with God if you let them and are available wherever you have web access.
Summer (those lazy days? ) may be a good time to begin, to renew, to recreate your personal time with God. Invite Jesus to talk with you as you would a friend. Stand in awe of the magnificence of creation with the Creator. Seek to hear the whisper of the Spirit giving guidance and meaning to your day. Deepen your relationship with God.
Blessings
Caroline
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