how to Sabbath—
Podcast: a 4 episode
Sabbath series
Sabbath Companion
Guide (digital PDF)
Apprentice Under Jesus
at PracticingTheWay.com
simple ways to bond with God—
Bonding is not formal. Bonding is not tidy. Bonding is usually messy, disorganized, authentic, and sometimes loud. Bonding happens when you express vulnerability with God. He is kind and good, even when He is unpredictable and firm. He wants to be in deep relationship with you. Here are some simple actions and prayers techniques I have used myself to do my part in building connection with the God of the Universe.
guided prayer
For 5-9 minutes let someone else guide you to prayer. Guided prayer has been an excellent resource for me when I’m sad, numb, confused, lonely, or exhausted. Here is a Guided Prayer Project podcast series on Spotify linked to the right.
hopes, dreams, + goals
This is a time you set aside to align yourself with God. Too many times we assume God is just straight up “unfun”. However, He is the most joyful and fun being in the universe. This is a time for you to meditate and analyze what you love to do, goals you want in life, dreams you have ever let go of, etc. Share these hopes, dreams and goals with the Author of them. Let Him counsel you on which ones to pursue now, which to pursue later, and which to sacrifice for an even greater something. God is more dynamic than we realize and He is kind with our vulnerabilities.
Bible Project Podcast
As a busy mom this podcast has been a lifesaver for me to learn what the Bible is trying to say. Now I am familiar with the themes of the Bible and how it is one unified story from start to end. Knowing these themes intimately has allowed me to know God intimately, hear His voice more clearly, and obey with an understanding of His character. I highly recommend this podcast to all. I have linked a great beginner series to the theme: “image of God”. Click the image to access this series.
T-W-I
This is a favorite style of prayer in our family. My husband and I will set aside 45 minutes to an hour and turn on the “Echoes in the Valley” playlist linked to the right on shuffle. For the first fifteen minutes of prayer we share Thanksgivings. We say one liner “Thank you, God, for…” statements. After that 15 minute period, we move to one liner “God, you are…” statements. This is our time of Worship. These are simply stating God’s character back to Him in worship. The last fifteen minutes is Intercession where we ask, beg, intercede on behalf of ourselves and others. We popcorn these statements and no one spends time explainingo the group any of our statements because this is prayer time to Him. It’s a special time.
meditation
This is best done for me with a hot coffee or a good stroll. As I walk I meditate on something I’m learning or asking God currently. Sometimes God gives quick answers and sometimes God’s answers come slow and after much searching. This slowness changes us along the way of finding the answer.
listening prayer
When going into listening prayer it is best to have a list of questions to ask God (the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) and listen to how He responds. It’s a great prayer time for uncovering what He has been wanting to tell you, but you haven’t been still enough to listen. Some church members are trained in Listening Prayer so ask your local church if they have this resource available. Linked to the right is a list of questions you can ask God right now. Get somewhere without distractions and get ready to hear Him speak!
festooning prayer
Perhaps there is a passage or a few verses that have been on your mind recently. Set those verses in front of you and ask God to show you what He wants you to hear today from these verses for your specific situation going on right now. The Bible was written to an ancient Israeli people group and then first generation Christians in the Mediterranean. It has specific context when read, Yet, the Bible is also written for all Christians in all places and at all times. The Holy Spirit can guide you in your life today through these ancient words and modern day accountability in the Body. Keep your heart listening for Him.
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