1. What kinds of activities are vital for any relationship between two people to grow? They must spend time together; listen to one another; get to know one another; be equal in their dealings with one another; support one another in their endeavors; and be there for the good and the bad – the triumphs and the failures – the celebrations and the hiding-in-dark-caves.
2. What kinds of activities are vital for our relationship with the Lord to grow? We must spend time with Him and listen to His spirit. We need to know His Word – dwell on it, memorize it, savor it, study it. We must seek Him out. We must pray to Him for all things. We need to worship Him and praise Him in ways that fill us, but also in ways that challenge us.
3. What are some of the challenges people face in establishing a regular quiet time with the Lord? We are TOO busy and life is not quiet. It is like our tithes. When things get stressful, it is the first thing to go or suffer. The first thing to get rid of.
4. Do you think journaling is a good idea? Why or why not? For some people it might be a good job. The word journaling automatically turns me off. But I’ll admit that journaling, aka blogging, has held me accountable. It would probably be in my best interest to go back and read what I have written. See if I have accomplished what I set out to accomplish. What I have forgotten. What has changed in my direction. What I enjoyed and what I didn’t.
5. Do you think using a prayer list is a good idea? Why or why not? Probably. I don’t do lists. But I also forget things a lot. I keep telling myself I need to pray about certain things, but I never get around to them. A list might hold me more accountable. Maybe instead of crossing things off, I can check mark them.
6. Do you have any other suggestions for those just starting out in establishing the routine of a regular quiet time? Just do it. Do what I say and not what I do. I still haven’t established a quiet time. I’m failing miserably on that count. Not denying that I need it, but I’m not yet comfortable with being alone and quiet with the Lord.
7. Do you have any other suggestions for those whose quiet times have become dry and dull? I love the author’s suggestions of trying to do things differently when quiet times become boring. Taking a walk. Listening to music. Perhaps my blogging has been my quiet times. I’ve suggested to myself that I act as if I am writing to God. Didn’t last more than a day. But I love when I get to paint and it’s quiet. That could be my quiet time when that is on my plate. Doing something else instead. And not feeling guilty for it. I have lots of quiet times that I fill with books. Am I willing to give up a portion of that time?
8. Right now, where are you spiritually? Do you feel connected to God or far away? What can you do to get connected again? I’m going to say that I feel more religious than ever before, but not feeling very spiritual. Although I am trying desperately. Failing to train. I feel that God is far more than He is near. I am being called to pray more. I am being called to pay better attention. I am being called to be still. I am being called to seek and to serve. But I am confused. If I would talk more to God, I know that I could get these things settled. I just know I don’t want to hear what He is going to tell me. Like a wayward child being disciplined by the parent.
9. What sorts of things cause you to feel close to God? (For example, reading the Bible, walking at sunset, listening to tapes or worship music, going to church, and so on.) How often are these things part of your regular routine? Music makes me feel closer to God. Nature, animals, the stars make me feel in awe of Him and His creativity and creation. When He does provide me with answers and I hear Him, I feel close. Church does not make me feel close. It feels routine and ritualistic. That’s why I have felt that I need to go beyond. But I’m not sure how.
10. How can we keep from becoming legalistic about spiritual disciplines? I am legalistic. I feel guilt when I don’t do what I am supposed to do. If I miss a day, I feel like a failure. I didn’t run last Thursday because the winds were in excess of 13 miles per hour and the weather was cold and miserable. I didn’t run this morning for the same reason PLUS I am still recovering from lack of sleep, aka time change. I am trying not to feel guilty. And that is just running. I know I will continue. I missed whole weeks when it snowed and I returned. There is something that I have stopped doing because I have been asked to stop and I am stopping out of respect to authority. Mind you, what I was doing was a good thing, but it was stressful to someone else. I’m having trouble with guilt for having to stop. I feel compelled to be sneaky – which is no better. I have to give it to the Lord and trust that He knows my heart in that regard. We cannot be perfect. We must remember the Gospel. Law is important, but we are saved by Grace. Eternity cannot be earned.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
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