Day 11 - October 26

A quiet day of reading, reflection, prayer.  I previewed a video study on prayer for the church's small groups and began writing discussion questions to go along with the video sessions.  Writing questions for other people is easy.  Challenging others to grow and change is easy.

It was when I challenged myself--or rather, understood that God was challenging me--that I began to get some real benefit out of the day.  I left the comfortable place of telling others what to do, and allowed myself to be uncomfortably honest with God.

The upshot is that I'm beginning a reading plan that will get me through the Bible in a year.  Skimming and dipping does not give the depth and breadth of God's thought and nature needed for Spirit-directed prayer.  All too often recently I've come across verses and think, "Wow, John (or Paul or Isaiah or Mark) really said that?"

So, back to the Word in a daily, disciplined way.

Beyond the written page
I seek you, Lord.
My spirit pants for you,
O living Word.