Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always. Psalms105:4
Selwyn Hughes comes to the conclusion that daily time with God is the foundation of soul-care. (This is a theme I dealt with in detail in my series on how to have a daily Quiet Time which you can find under "resources" on www.emmanuel.org.za )
Here is a summary of the practical hints Selwyn Hughes gives:
Unfortunately today the daily Quiet Time (QT) is unfashionable but it is still the most effective habit.
- Are you too busy? (Ask yourself "but when will it stop?" Start and see things fall into place!)
- Is having a daily QT a bit like legalism? (But what about good habits?)
- How can I pray at all times? (Have to learn to pray at SOMEtime before all times)
But How?
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1. Decide on a Time
Choose an amount of time and a regular time and then ring fence it. More is better.
Guard your privacy
Avoid the phone and other intrusions
Mornings seems to be best...
2.You may have to practice "studied neglect." i.e. choose to neglect other things (a tv show or reading the newspaper from front to back)
He will help you re-cast your priorities.
3. Choose a spot
This creates associations and atmosphere's that help you.
4. Read your Bible
This should be at the centre of your Quiet Time. It is always fresh!
"...we ought to reverence it, respect it, store our memory with precious fragments of it, learn its highways and byways and make the reverent reading of it a privileged part of every day."
-Pray before your read.
-Read slowly: scribble down summaries, notes, questions.
-Meditate on it: "Great matters have to be given a second thought." Memorised Scripture becomes the "unseen Sculptor who will chisel in the secret chambers of your soul the living forms that constitute a deeper knowledge of Him."
-Listen to what it says
Learn to Listen to God..
Develop a "trained ear." - Takes Time.
"As exercise strengthens the body and education enlarges the mind, so our sensitivity to God develops and grows as we learn to wait in silence before Him."
"My sheep listen to my voice..."
5.Pray.
- Begin with Worship (Hallowed by Your Name)
- Repent and Confess
- Intercede for others and yourself
- Thanksgiving
And remember, He always answers. (No, Slow, Grow, Go)
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
