
Faith Lesson #1
Spend time with Jesus
in His Word
and prayer every day.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark1:35
No time spent with Jesus in His Word is ever wasted.
There are plenty of people willing to offer you advice on how to live your life, but Jesus, the Savior and King of the universe left you a love letter with His instructions for life in the Bible.
Why would we want to miss that?
Purpose to read His instructions. I have found that unless I am intentional about forming the habit of meditating and studying God’s Word, the day will slip away and I will have missed the opportunity. God’s Word is meant to be cherished as your soul’s delight.
"Our love (for God) is shown by love for His Word. You cannot separate a person from their voice. If you love a person you will love their voice, and God's Word is His voice to us."
Campbell McAlpine, Alone with God
The study of His Word should always be partnered with time in prayer.
Prayer for a teachable spirit,
prayer for an expectant and listening heart,
prayer for wisdom and discernment,
prayer for direction and transformation
prayer.............
Throughout the Scriptures we are exhorted to meditate on God’s Word. It is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced for centuries by believers who understand their need to "put on the mind of Christ." I like to think of Scripture meditation as a habit of the heart . It can help me answer the call to intimacy and devotion to Jesus as I ponder, contemplate, and reflect on His words of life to me.
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
Psalm 119:11-15

In Scripture meditation we let the text ask questions of us. We learn to wait and listen for God to speak.
Of course meditating on the Word doesn’t need to follow a formula, but you may find it a way to begin. I have found the method listed below helpful in discovering the joy of this “holy habit” in my own journey. It is based on a book by Jan Johnson entitled “Savoring God’s Word”. This method of Scripture meditation is called Lectio Divina.
1. Find a quiet place where you can be alone and listen for God to speak.
2. Take a moment and relax your body and mind. Breath in and out slowly. If you find your mind is full of distracting or interrupting thoughts jot them down for later reference so that you can let go of them at this time.
Surrender you heart and mind to the Holy Spirit’s control.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a fresh perspective on the Word today as you read.
3. Open your Bible to the Scripture you have chosen for meditation today and read.
Is there a word or phrase that emerges as you reflect on this passage of Scripture?
Write it down.
Reflect - could there be something in this passage today that the Lord is offering to enlarge you understanding? Write it down in your journal.
What do you need to know from this passage?
4. Pray using the Scripture as a guide.
Ask God what He wants to show you.
Tell God what you sense at this time.
Thank God for His revelation to you.
5. Contemplate the Scripture.
Enjoy His presence.
Ask and listen for what the Lord wants to say to you at this time.
6. Write down any thoughts or prayers.

Gracious Father, I confess that I have often neglected to study your Word. Please forgive me. Help me come to your Word with an open mind that desires to receive instruction from You, the Master Teacher. Give me a heart that believes what your Spirit reveals
and the will to surrender in obedience to Your truth. Holy Spirit,
breathe words of life into my spirit through the power of Your Word.
Lord, I humbly come and pray that You will find me faithful and teachable.
Stir in my heart a hunger and passion for Truth that refuses to be distracted from Your transforming words of life. Jesus, help me to make You the ultimate priority of my life. As I choose to spend time meditating and studying Your Word, I pray that You will show me how to juggle the demands of my life with Your grace and order my days
according to Your perfect plan.
In the name of Jesus
Amen

Kathy
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