On the recommendation of a coach, I picked up a book on listening prayer. It’s not a book that I would have necessarily selected on my own, but since someone I respect suggested it to me, I thought I would give it a read.
Just mentioning the topic may have already evoked positive or negative responses in your heart. And that’s perfectly normal as most of us prefer to read in our ‘comfort zone’. There’s nothing wrong with that. It is beneficial to our faith to deepen our roots in the main biblical or theological framework that we know, and which allows us to know and experience Christ and His love more deeply.
However, we need the challenge to re-examine once and awhile our framework in order to discern if there are not other ways or means (the “means of grace” as the Reformers described it) by which we can grow more in love with Christ. And which might lead to more fruitfulness in our spiritual journey and ministry with Christ.
The act of ‘listening prayer’ is not natural to me, but I am learning new elements through this book that are helping me to re-align my prayer life with God’s will and direction.
Now, I’m talking only about a book at this point. However, this could also apply to a discussion, a podcast or some other means of being challenged to think more deeply about the biblical and theological framework that drives our life and ministry.
Paul rightly said to the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica: “We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
By the way, I will also be asking a WT colleague to read and discuss the book with me. Another way to grow: by learning together with another, what the Lord might be wanting to teach me, to teach us.
Filed under: Lifelong learning, Reading, Spiritual Life |
Thoughts Along The Journey 
Thanks for sharing this. May I ask the name and author of the book? I have talked with a disciple of the Lord in Afghanistan about that same subject the last couple of days. He is desperate to get guidance on what to do. Perhaps the book or your gleanings from it may help?
Listening prayer sounds like a good read. Will look at it for personal reading as well. The process to trade and share insights is a good thought to try as well. Thanks for sharing this insight on challenging our framework.
I find it helpful to have others (who I trust and are ‘wide’ readers) to suggest books that will push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow more in my walk with Jesus.