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Click here for
SPIRIT-LED ENCOUNTERS: THE RHYTHM OF DEVOTION PART 1 HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE
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2. Get very quiet inside, then turn the ‘gaze of your heart’ on the Lord, and ask Him to come close. (He is always close, but we are talking about experientially close here.) Eventually, you will start to sense His presence.
People meet with God in many different locations: on top of a bus; in the countryside; while driving to work; in a prison cell, in the bath, or tucked up in bed. There is no restriction, or right place—but there could be a special place that’s just right for you. See EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE for more on this topic.
People meet with God in many different locations: on top of a bus; in the countryside; while driving to work; in a prison cell, in the bath, or tucked up in bed. There is no restriction, or right place—but there could be a special place that’s just right for you. See EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE for more on this topic.
LISTENING TO GOD’S VOICE
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Our devotional time is not just about us talking. A two-way relationship means we need to be listening as well. While occasionally people hear an actual voice, most of the time we hear from God by ideas and impressions which form in our hearts, a verse or passage of scripture which ‘leaps’ out at us, or something else we read or hear seems to strike us with significance.
And again, there isn’t a ‘right’ way. In addition to hearing the Lord speak through Bible reading, some hear God frequently through His creation, others through mundane tasks, still others, through works of art, or everyday conversation. In addition, why not ask Him to speak while you are asleep? I often wake up with clear answers to questions I have asked; in fact, over the years I have found I hear the Lord best when I’m not trying. However, there is an important rider on this… |
THE WORD OF GOD
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The Bible, the Word of God, is hugely important, because it is the plumb-line for everything we think we hear. The Word reveals the true nature and principles of the Lord—anything which deviates from that revelation should be mistrusted. It is therefore very important that we get to know the Bible, so that we can realign our thinking with His (See CREATING NEW MINDSETS).
Some of the ways we can give the Spirit ‘something to work with’ (see Part 1) are: Buy a Bible: there are many versions available; why not try out Mark 1, for example, in different versions online, then ask the Holy Spirit to point you to the best one for you. You can also buy Bible editions for Kindle, or as audio books, such as the one below. Another book that I often recommend to people just getting to grips with Scripture is, 'The Illustrated Bible' from Dorling Kindersley. With beautiful photos, and informative articles, this hefty tome gives a great overview of the historical and cultural settings of the Bible, as well as His Story! The edition I own appears to have been replaced by the one below, and can be purchased from Amazon** by clicking on the book cover.
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Study books: you may like to use Daily Bible Notes or study books, or an integrated Study-Bible. (Eden Booksellers stock a wide variety: https://www.eden.co.uk/bibles/study-bibles/)
The content of the first two sections of this website has also been published in paperback and kindle format, with added material, and study questions. Click on the book cover below for more details. 
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Notebook: some way of documenting thoughts and insights is really useful. There are two Rhythms of Grace notebooks available from Amazon.
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Alternatively, there are wide-margin Bibles available (see below), which allow notes to be written beside the text.
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Preaching/ Christian books/ Christian websites: Bible-reading isn’t the only way of becoming familiar with the Word of God; reputable preachers can be found on You Tube; and there is a wealth of revelation in Christian books and on Christian websites—including Rhythms of Grace! There are recommendations for resources on many pages of the website.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a thirst for His Word, and point you to the resources which are right for you. Then expect to be blessed…
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a thirst for His Word, and point you to the resources which are right for you. Then expect to be blessed…
CREATED TO WORSHIP
We were created to worship, yet it is often an area Christians struggle with outside of church gatherings.
Worship is not just about music and song, it is about the whole self. And while I am profoundly grateful for the upsurge in beautiful Spirit-filled musical celebration in the last fifty years, it only scratches the surface of possibility—which is great news for the musically challenged!
Worship is not just about music and song, it is about the whole self. And while I am profoundly grateful for the upsurge in beautiful Spirit-filled musical celebration in the last fifty years, it only scratches the surface of possibility—which is great news for the musically challenged!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.
[Romans 12:2]
holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.
[Romans 12:2]
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What do you love doing?
Are you a writer, or creative with fabrics? Do you love running, tinkering with cars, or playing with children? Identify the things which make your heart sing, and then ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to worship in that activity. And what are the things you have to do? Is your time filled with your job, frequent travel, household tasks, or caring responsibilities? Ask the Spirit how these things can become your worship. |
The other LIFE RHYTHMS in this section of the website are also full of ideas for worship; however, it is really important that they are read as inspiration not as a checklist!
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What about opportunities to express gratitude?
Our days are filled with gifts of grace, if we take time to notice. Thanksgiving can rise up continually to the Lord, and is a crucial expression of worship. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to notice things throughout the day. You can find more on this on the CHOOSING GRATITUDE page. And then there’s musical worship…
If you are blessed with musical ability, why not ask the Spirit to help you sing or play your own songs to the Lord. If you are not, why not look out worship songs on You Tube, (or those displayed on this website). Ask the Spirit to show you how to use these resources in a way that is personal to you. |
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THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PRAYER
We make artificial categories when it comes to personal devotional life. When is thanksgiving, worship, for example, and when is it prayer? For the sake of this web page, I am defining prayer as ‘talking to God’.
Receive the gift of tongues
A really valuable aid to prayer is the gift of speaking in tongues. Using it, you pray with your spirit—helped by the Spirit, rather than your intellect. This means whatever you feel like, you can start praying; and even if you have no idea what to pray for, you can start praying.
You can then pray until your feelings engage, or until words and impressions start to form, and your native language starts to flow.
If you have been baptised in the Holy Spirit (see THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU), then you already have the gift of tongues within you. Thank the Spirit for it, then ask Him to bring words and phrases into your mind. As they come, start to speak them out. Continue to thank Him for His precious gift, and more will be given. Remember if we ask God for fish, He doesn’t give a snake [Luke 11:11]; therefore, you can trust what you are saying really is from Him.
Receive the gift of tongues
A really valuable aid to prayer is the gift of speaking in tongues. Using it, you pray with your spirit—helped by the Spirit, rather than your intellect. This means whatever you feel like, you can start praying; and even if you have no idea what to pray for, you can start praying.
You can then pray until your feelings engage, or until words and impressions start to form, and your native language starts to flow.
If you have been baptised in the Holy Spirit (see THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU), then you already have the gift of tongues within you. Thank the Spirit for it, then ask Him to bring words and phrases into your mind. As they come, start to speak them out. Continue to thank Him for His precious gift, and more will be given. Remember if we ask God for fish, He doesn’t give a snake [Luke 11:11]; therefore, you can trust what you are saying really is from Him.
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Cast your cares
If you feel burdened down with worries, or if you have particular needs, you can bring every concern to the Lord; He cares about even the smallest thing which troubles you. Ask the Spirit of Grace to help you to pray—and pray expecting answers. Answered prayer is God’s will for you! Confession We have seen that our sins have been forgiven through the amazing sacrifice of Jesus. But living in a fallen world, our ‘feet’ get dirty and our consciences become troubled. This is easily remedied: we confess our sins to the Lord, and thank Him for the forgiveness and cleansing He has promised. Maybe you can make it a regular thing, last thing at night? |
Praying for others
Why not ask the Spirit to bring people to mind during the day? When He does, ask Him to pray for them through you, and start praying for them in tongues. As thoughts and impressions start to rise, you may find tongues gives way to your own words. Pray for as long as the ‘flow’ continues.
Why not ask the Spirit to bring people to mind during the day? When He does, ask Him to pray for them through you, and start praying for them in tongues. As thoughts and impressions start to rise, you may find tongues gives way to your own words. Pray for as long as the ‘flow’ continues.
Musicians, artists, dancers…
If you are creative, ask the Holy Spirit to pray through you using your creative ability...
If you are creative, ask the Holy Spirit to pray through you using your creative ability...
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Download this printable to discover what the Bible says about your prayers...
ANSWERED PRAYER IS GOD’S WILL FOR ME |
*RHYTHMS OF GRACE
RECEIVE His wonderful provision.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a joy-filled devotional life—starting today…
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a joy-filled devotional life—starting today…
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES: ENJOY SOME BITE-SIZED REFLECTIONS...
Click on the pictures:
REFLECTIONS ON THE CROSS
CREATION'S VOICE
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REFLECTIONS ON THE RESURRECTION
31 DAYS IN PROVERBS
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REFLECTIONS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
THE BLESSING OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
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RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST
[Photo credits: Valeriy Andrushko (sunlit trees); Ette Fidele (girl's head); Aaron Burden (open bible); Elena Mozhvilo (butterfly painting); Nathan Dumlao (man with outstretched arms); Marquise Kamanke(man praying) @ Unsplash, with thanks]