Syncing With The Spirit

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syncing

When I hook up my iPhone or my iPod with my laptop all that is new is caught up.

I make deposits in the Spirit as I listen to Jesus’ voice each day throughout.  For me, I don’t do the “Quiet Time” thing.  I really dislike the notion that someone else is going to “help” me (or anyone else) get in touch with God’s Spirit by praying in a certain way.  I could write extensively about the beauty of each of us finding the unique language/ way/invitation Jesus has made to us for picking up on his Spirit’s presence on a continual basis.

The Quiet Time hoo-hah is a program that is good perhaps for those who need a left-brained approach to speak words of love to Jesus, but if one ponders the entire notion of learning to speak words of love and tenderness to our beloved – how odd it is that such can be taught!

No Dress Rehearsals

If ever there is an appropriate time to grab onto the message of “be yourself” it is in the realm of prayer.  Some certainly argue, “Different strokes for different folks” in regard to much of the Christian life.  I too used to buy into that and defend the thinking of those who need a jump start of language/rehearsed prayer.  I am slowly growing away from a patient perspective for those who cry out for their love for “learned prayers.”

I will write much more on that down the road not long from now.

Suffice it to say this:  A lover who is unspeakably, irrationally in love with her/his beloved (is there any other kind of love?) is as far from something scripted as it gets.

There are not great love stories in history that are begun and maintained by one lover reading re-cycled Hallmark cards found at Half-Price Books.  Never has, never will happen – that is not how real love happens.  Real love is marked by at least some strong measure of spontaneity.

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Steve:

    I missed how “Quiet Time” is related to learned prayers. Whenever I’ve heard the term, it just meant a time set aside during the day for prayer and/or scripture study, i.e. “devotional time” or “face-in-the-rug time”. But I’ve never heard it used in terms of using written or liturgical prayers.

    I know for me it’s been important to set aside a specific time to be alone with Jesus, normally early in the morning or late at night when life won’t get in the way. It’s not at all natural for me, but it’s something that God has called me to. In some ways, it’s similar to the “weekly date” that my wife and I have always had, or the evening walks we’ve sometimes done. We talk a lot during the day, but, with 6 kids, it’s been very important to get away alone.

    Thanks for the web-sites. Amazing info.

    Rob

  2. Interesting take Steve,

    I appreciate the “freedom” and “spontenaity” aspects of what you wrote….got to be honest though….I like the “both/and” philosophy here….

    I too believe prayer should have plenty of time where you can be off the cuff, simple, straight from your heart…but I’d be lying if I didn’t say some of the “learned” prayers I’ve read over the years didn’t help me….still use them today, because they express exactly what I’ve felt/feel….I’m not sure praying them is all so original…but for me very authentic….

    “our heart are restless until they find rest in you.” -Augsustine

    “Lord Jesus in my heart, I believe in your tender love for me, I love you.” -Mother Theresa

    “you are good and what you do is good.” -Psalm 119

    Lord, you are the “Big God.” -Steve Sjogren (smiles)

    Now I can buy into prayers like these.

    your friend,

    Todd

  3. Just found your site yesterday when looking for some servant ministry material. (Thanks, by the way.)

    Couldn’t much of the Book of Psalms be considered written, liturgical prayers? Sometimes such prayers guide us into places where we might not otherwise go on our own. At other times they express for us what we struggle to put into words.

    I can’t say that I rely on such things regularly … Probably not as much as I should. However, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that God can and does use them to bless us, and that he can be honored when we pray them.

    Should we rely on them exclusively? Of course not. But to toss them aside altogether would be just as limiting as the person who relies on nothign else.

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