Method for Relationship Cultivation (or Presence Problems pt.2)
Lately I've been wondering about the best way to cultivate a relationship with God. I usually preach and teach about a daily time of prayer and Bible Reading (i.e. the Daily Quiet Time). However, at times I feel that the most harmonious relationship with God is to be had through a "consciousness of his presence." Not that these two methods have to be opposing one another, but I feel that the Daily Quiet Time can morph into a regiment more than a relationship. I feel it becomes a small item on a checklist of things to do rather than a time of relationship cultivation. I'm not sure if this means anything at all.
I see these immediate answers...
- I need to just strive for quality in my time with God.
- The daily quiet time needs to serve as a catalyst for the practice of God's presence.
- The daily quiet time is a weak method that needs to change.
- YOU GUYS HAVE INSIGHT THAT I DON'T HAVE...
posted by Jay Greer @ 6:38 PM
14 Comments:
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is this guy serious??
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Great topic and one that should help us change the way we view personal growth. I understand your point on how QTs can evolve into a checklist format. Perhaps that "Through the Bible in One Year" program doesn't help. Afterall, it really is a checklist. I am wondering why the structure of QTs do not change as a Christian grows to know God better. Certainly you will understand this as a youth minister Jay. Why does a QT only consist of a prayer list and a short passage? Are we cheating students when encourage them to spend time with God in this fashion? I'm not saying it is a bad model, I am simply wondering if there is more.
Good thoughts Epp. I wonder if we are scared to let students or church-goers "experiment" with their times with God. I like the idea of a time with God evolving as we mature. I'm searching for what this looks like. Is this a personal thing?
I just got back from an outstanding dinner with my folks, Tyler, Margo, and Dan. It was awesome. Just talking, nothing significant really (my dating life is certainly nothing too significant!) , nothing too spiritual, just having a good ol time. I love all of those guys so much. And you know, it reminded me of your question. What is the best way to cultivate a relationship with God? It is nothing new or profound, but friends, when I do life with you i strangly find that my life with God is more intimate. On the opposite side of the coin, I have done really well before maintaining a strong QT and yet secluded myself from my strongest relationships and the cultivation of my relationship with God suffered.
By all means, lets get our people to pray more! I still believe that God can change peoples live immersing themeselves in the NIV Holy Bible :). May we teach them to read it consistently. But my friends, as ministers let us help our people develop relationships like i have with many of you. You help me practice his presence.
Word A-rod. Sometimes my small, legalistic mind tells me that I enjot community too much for it to benefit my spiritual life. However I have noticed the same thing. We need to feel permitted to experience God through eachother.
Jay, in light of this evening(thank you by the way)I have to agree with Arod on this one. It does seem like community draws us into his presence. I felt a remnant of that tonight. I still feel like we could have entered into it more. We could have been more intentional about recognizing a divine moment. I just struggle so much, b/c I do not want to run the risk of manipulating the situation or being inauthentic. Logan, do you hear me at all on this one. I know the circumstance was a bit different due to the NY chica. Although, I can't hide behind that. I can't make that the reason I don't open the floor to more meatier conversation. I don't know if this makes sense man, but I did want to thank you and add my two drachma into this conversation.
Just a thought: Why is it bad to think of prayer as a regiment? I don't mean that we should all be legalists but that prayer is hard. It is supposed to be hard because it is a reshaping of our souls towards God. I recently have been thinking about worship as training. What if prayer is a form of training, a way of refocusing us in a way that is sometimes like exercise? I think that it should be painful even exhausting at times. Now I’m not saying that it should necessarily always be as such, but for our age and lack of time spent in prayer and close communion with God, unfettered Joy will be illusive. I guess I’m asking, “Who told us we should all feel like Brother Lawrence?” What do you think?
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Tyler,
You don't sound legalistic. What you said is very true. However, I was not asking what can discipline us to pray but what the best method for quality prayer is. I was also hoping to hear more from the angle of relationship cultivation not just the discipline to maintain a time of prayer. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these issues.
Feeling like Bro Law is hard for the reasons you pointed out. (Good insights by the way.) However, TRYING to feel like him seems well worth our time.
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Jay-
I guess my question is, what do you mean by "quality"? What would a quality prayer time be like?
As far as trying to feel like him being worth our time I have some questions,
(1) How much of Bro Law. attributed to his personality? I think of myself and Steve Moss. If I tried to be like Steve Moss, I would exhaust myself with little to show for it because I'm just not him.
(2) What will make us more faithful?
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