This week we are going to depart from our usual daily verse with a meditation format. I personally have found special strength in the type of format we usually use, but I have also found it helpful to have a special One Week “Mini-Retreat” every couple of months. Like most of you, I can’t afford to take an entire day much less a week off to simply be alone with God and his word. Several years ago I read about the mini-retreat approach and began using it.
This simple spiritual discipline, if practiced consistently will help you grow spiritually, gain insight into the scriptures and deepen your relationship with God.
What do you need to get started? Find a quiet place and time when interruptions are unlikely. Have your favorite translation of the Bible, a pen and a spiral notebook. Naturally, you’ll want a comfortable chair. Some people also have things like a candle, cross, etc. to enhance the sense of the sacred around the space.
How much time does this take? Ultimately, people find the time to do that which is important to them. My experience (and that of others) is that a minimum of fifteen minutes should be set aside each day for the mini-retreat. Whether you set aside fifteen minutes or thirty minutes you should regard that specific time as important as you would an appointment with your attorney or doctor—it is your appointment with God.
What does the mini-retreat involve? Basically, the various components of the mini-retreat are flexible, depending on the amount of time you set aside. The core of the retreat involves three things: prayer, meditation on scripture and journaling. By prayer, I mean specific prayers for God to open your mind to his word and the voice of his Spirit. By meditation on scripture, I refer to reading the day’s passage slowly several times and allowing your mind to digest its meaning and reflect on it. Journaling refers to writing your thoughts in your notebook. For people not familiar with journaling this might seem odd, however after doing it for a few days you will be able to see growth toward holiness and insight into the Word. Many of the meditations I use in the weekly notes are the result of entries I have made into journals over the years. If you have set aside enough time, you can add in a hymn or two, as well as brief readings from a Christian classic.
Below I have listed the day and passage, as well as a question to reflect on during your meditation. I believe that you will find this practice will grow into your favorite time of the day.
Monday, Psalm 39:1-3
Question: What do these verse say to me personally about sharing my faith with others?
Tuesday, Psalm 39:4-6
Question: What do these verses teach about mankind in general and what impressions do you get about a Christian’s responsibility in the face of those teachings?
Wednesday, Psalm 39:7-10
Question: How does this passage advance the kingdom of God?
Thursday, Psalm 39:11
Question: How does this passage challenge you as a believer?
Friday, August 5, Psalm 39:12
Question: What does this passage teach us about our life on earth and our priorities?
Saturday, Psalm 39:13
Question: What benefits come from right relationship with God? Think about specific times you’ve experienced those benefits.
Sunday, Psalm 39:1-13
Questions: How does this Psalm attack the kingdom of evil?
How does this Psalm lead me toward holiness?
How does this Psalm speak to my own weaknesses?
Let me hear from you as to your progress, and may God bless you as you spend the week reading, meditating and journaling!
Robert D. Hidde
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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