Week 4 - Listening - Day 19 - Thursday

1 Timothy 4:7 (The Message)
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer.

The spiritual life of an apprentice is not achieved by denying certain parts of the life for another. The spiritual life is achieved by listening to all of life and responding to each part. One area of life we often neglect listening to is that of the world around us. Jesus often reflected on God’s creation and gained insights that he included in his teaching (e.g., the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the fig tree, and grape vine.)
With eyes of faith, any bush can be for us a burning bush revealing the presence of God (Exodus 3:1-6).
Reflection:
• What does it meant to you that God is in every place? How does this affect how you pray?
• What is it like for you to pray, listening for what God’s request may be?
Practice:
• Go for a walk alone and deliberately slow down your pace (The Fullerton Arboretum might be a good option). Open yourself to God, asking God to speak to you, either concerning a specific question or concern you may have or about something God wants to show you. Now put that question to the side and focus on the world around you. Stay alert to the outside world rather than just focusing on all of your thoughts. Using all of your senses be fully aware of everything around you. Does anything in particular attract your attention? If so, pause to notice it, to take it in. Is God saying something through it? Look, touch, listen, and smell, becoming aware of anything God might be saying.