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There are three things
for which the Christian needs a regular time alone during the day: meditation
on the Scripture, prayer, and intercession…
In our meditation we
read the text given to us on the strength of the promise that it has something quite
personal to say to us for this day and for our standing as Christians․it is not only God’s Word for the community of faith, but also
God’s Word for me personally.… We are reading the Word of God as God’s Word for
us. Therefore, we do not ask what this text has to say to other people. For
those of us who are preachers that means we will not ask how we would preach or
teach on this text, but what it has to say to us personally.
Biblical Wisdom
Do not worry about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians
4:6-7
Questions to Ponder
· Why are meditation on
scripture, prayer, and intercession so important to the life of faith?
· What obstacles might
stand in the way of taking time alone daily for meditation on scripture,
prayer, and intercession? How might they be overcome?
· How might “reading the
Word of God as God’s Word for us,” rather than as God’s word for someone else,
lead to spiritual transformation?
Psalm Fragment
How sweet are your words
to my taste, sweeter than honey
to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore
I hate every false way.Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path. Psalm
119:103–105
Journal Reflections
·
In your journal reflect
on your present experiences of prayer and meditation. Are they satisfying to
you? Do you give enough time to these activities?
·
How could you find more
time in your daily life for meditation, prayer, and intercession?
· Write about something you’ve
learned from meditating on scripture recently. How has it changed the way you
are in your relationships or at work?
Intercessions
Pray for encouragement
and wisdom for you, your family, and spiritual friends (name them) in reading
God’s Word. Pray for discernment in understanding and praying for the needs of
others.
Prayer for Today
Lord, draw me to your
living Word and let it be for me food for the journey.
40-Day Journey with
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg Fortress.
