How can we make the most of the enforced time alone? Or at least time away from our regular work and school? Here is an idea that might be useful.
I was involved with the Navigator ministry through college and one of the most valuable times in it was when our group would spend a half-day in prayer. This exercise might be useful during these challenging times. We can choose to make enforced time away from jobs or school times of spiritual growth and developing a closer walk with Jesus.
In the past, we wouldn't spend the entire time praying, but would also read and journal. Below is a link to a Navigator article on spending a half-day in prayer and a PDF you can download that gives you some guidance on how to do it.
In addition to their advice, I've found it useful to ask God questions in my journal as I start time like this. In relationships, in work, in many areas of life, we often feel we have to have all the answers figured out and then we come to God with what we concluded we want and need. Decisions made, we then present the grocery list to Him to fulfill it.
It's much better to ask and then read His Word; be still and listen.
I've found that when I do that often answers bubble up (not sure how spiritually appropriate that term is, but that's the best way I can describe it) and I can pray more confidently when I feel that God has given me what to pray for. I think that is the real meaning of:
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.Psalm 37:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
Sometimes people quote this passage as if it promises that God will give us whatever we want. But it doesn't say that. It says HE will give us our desires. For Him to do that, we have to be quiet enough to listen.
Let's make the most of this time to do that.
Note: This article was inspired around the events of the Covid19 Pandemic. It may be useful to pass on to your congregation. As with all the materials on this site, feel free to copy and use it in any way you'd like, no attribution required.
