I was suggested to reread a chapter in Peter Scazzero’s book titled: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. The chapter was about our nead for rest and the fact that we need to practice a daily fellowship with GOD.
If you know me you know that I am often still a “careless punk”, when I am speaking… I do not pay much attention to be precise I rather expect others to figure it out…
Studies in general (but theology especially) have changed me. And what I will share now will be a perfect examlpe for the importance of being careful and precise with our usage of words, how we express things…
The writer exlains how it all start with the fact that we call our time with GOD Devotions or quite time. Its wrong.
Both are in singular. Both communicate its something you do once a day for few minutes and yu are done. But do we eat only once a day? NO. then why would we be satisfied with 1 short spiritual meal a day?
He offers the name Daily office… I am not too thrilled with that name either… but I like when he descirbes it as “practicing the presence of GOD”(brother Lawrence).
It is more then just reading the Bible, Praying, aybe a devotional, then Church (sunday and midweek), maybe home fellowship, etc.
The connection point between shabbath and Practicing the Daily presence of God…is the following. they both require us to STOP. Stopping and surrenderin to GOD in trust.
Trusting our time, trusting the he cares, trsuting that he takes care…
He draws his knowledge from studying many different groups of Christians. here are soe quotes from him:
“The root of the Daily Office is not so much a turning to GOD to get something but to be with Someone.” How important to keep in mind….
It also has to be a rhythm. several times a day connecting with GOD. He draws the example of the Trappist monks. I would spare you from reading Pslams at 3.45 am… but it surely is neccesary to find a rhythm that works for you… I would say at least 3-5 different points of your day when you SURELY stop and surrender to GOD in trust.
David has prayed 7 times a day (Psalm 119:164)
Muslims Stop and surrender to Allah 5 times a day.
Daniel prayed 3 times a day (Daniel 6:10)
How many times do you and me do it?
“The key is regular remembrance of GOD, not length.”
“The purpose of the Daily Office is to remember GOD and commune with HIM all through our days.”
SO THATS FOR THE DAILY TIME SPENT WITH GOD…
Laci who tries to learn…
P.s. Shabbath with follow.
HE/SHE said: