Make Space

I came across this quote this morning. It's from a guy called Anselm (C11th AD)....he became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. So he's old!

"Insignificant man, rise up! Flee your preoccupations for a little while. Hide yourself for a time from your turbulent thoughts. Cast aside, now, your heavy responsibilities and put off your burdensome business. Make a little space free for God; and rest for a little time in him.

Enter the inner chamber of your mind; shut out all thoughts. Keep only thought of God, and thoughts that can aid you in seeking him. Close your door and seek him. Speak now, my whole heart! Speak now to God, saying, I seek your face; your face, Lord, will I seek."

Anselm was writing of the need for followers of Christ to 'make space' for God...to spend time, one on one, with our Heavenly Father.

So I found myself thinking about one of the four environments for growth that we looked at towards the end of 2017....time in The Chair. (Remember: The Chair is all about our one-on-one time with God)

So, with that in mind, let me ask you (and myself) some questions....

  • how is your time in The Chair going?

  • what do you find easy about it? hard about it?

  • how have you found God speaking to you / stirring you recently through your time in The Chair?

  • have you ever sat in silence and enjoyed 'resting in him for a little time'?

  • do you ever write your thoughts / prayers to God?

  • what do you find most helpful in your one-on-one time with God?

  • have you ever gone for a prayer-walk...walking and praying things through with God?

  • what help do you need to get more out of your times in The Chair?

Remember, if it's true that God grows us as we enage with His Word at our weekly gatherings (The Line); and as we learn and live out our faith together in small groups (The Circle); and as we follow Jesus right where He has placed us on our frontlines (The Neighbourhood); and as we spend time one on one with Him (The Chair)...then we need to be putting ourself in positions for growth to happen...we need to be developing attitudes of our heart...postures...that lead to growth.

So why not take some time to reflect on The Chair?

s edge