This is part 1 of Clay’s insight into his spiritual growth journey.
As of the first of the year, I have begun each weekday morning with quiet time for devotion and scripture reading, prayer and journal. The time varies, but my alarm time has allowed me between 20 and 30 minutes. As a father of small children, it is difficult to find quiet time at any other time of day, although it does mean stumbling around in the dark trying not to make any noise to reach a quiet spot in the house. But once I get there, God has been with me to turn on the Light and to bless this time.
In an age where the absence of some kind of electronic stimulation seems to be incredibly rare, it is that much more important for us to create the space that we need to be quiet with God. And if we are to really discern what God’s purpose is for us, I believe that we have to create that space.
Just a couple of weeks into the New Year, this is the overwhelming message that I am hearing in my quiet time. Journey and growth starts with the basics — it starts with faith. Like Joseph in our Gospel reading at church in the first week, who takes his family to Egypt in the dark of night in an action of faith in and obedience to God, I must remember that the journey begins and ends with my faith in God. It is after all his glory that is my purpose, and discernment is about learning how I will fulfill that purpose.
For my devotional time this year, I am re-visiting a classic, “My Utmost for his Highest” by Oswald Chambers. I would highly recommend it to anyone, and it is complimenting my scripture readings nicely. But the real change for me this year is the addition of prayer journal time. I am finding this to be a very powerful discipline, because it helps me focus on revealing my heart to God without the distractions that can come from intervening thoughts that distract. It is during that focused time that I have received the encouragement to deepen my belief. And believing is seeing, right?
I look forward to reporting on progress with these disciplines every couple of weeks or so. God’s peace be with you.
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Project-Spirit is devoted to analyzing and discussing the factors that influence an individual’s rate of spiritual growth. Skills exist that can be learned & developed to enhance spiritual growth regardless of which spiritual tradition is followed. This site provides information on how those skills can be developed within the unique context of an individual’s life.
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What a great start. I am looking forward towards reading about how your journey evolves. I especially like the concept of creating space. That is a big art of what we focus on here at Project-Spirit.
Reading Clay’s “Stumbling in the Dark” has made me think that I need to think/plan for this neglected side of my life. Thanks, Clay, for nudging me on that path.
I like the idea of guest contributors to the site.
I completely agree that we must create the space to listen to God and, I would add, ourselves. As you say, most of us are so distracted in our over-stimulating world that we are increasingly disconnected from from ourselves, each other, and the Divine. Committing to that sacred space is not easy but perhaps more important than ever. Thank you for sharing some of your journey, Clay. I look forward to hearing more.
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