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Many years ago I was preparing to lead a retreat for women. Not the normal kind of weekend full of fellowship and activities but a gathering of women who were hungry to draw closer to God by being alone with Him, and brave enough to give it a try.
That is the foundation of what I have come to call “Dare to Be Still” retreats.
A quote by A.W.Tozer describes the experience I longed to shared with the ladies:
“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to
an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him,
that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness
of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.”
In preparation for the retreat, I created 3x5 cards designed to help the women enter into a “Dialogue with God” by beginning with reading His Word followed by probing questions that invited vulnerability and honesty.
If you have attended one of these retreats, you have a set of these cards. If not, I’d like to share a few “dialogues” with you today, as a way to guide you from a monologue with God to a dialogue.
When I get spiritually stuck, I sometimes pull out one of these cards to open up the life-changing conversation again. I hope you will find them a helpful tool when prayer or Bible reading seems to go dry for you.
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SOME DIALOGUES WITH GOD
Have a conversation about listening
Scripture:
"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me." JOHN 10:27 (NIV)
Dialogue with God about:
how to place yourself in earshot of His voice
what He last asked you to do, to believe, or to become
any barriers that you have erected that keep you from hearing Him
your willingness to wait for His topic, His timing and His method of speaking
PHOTO: Dan Freeman on Unsplash
Have a conversation about searching for Him
Scripture:
"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy." PSALM 63:1-5 (NLT)
Dialogue with God about:
your declaration of belonging
your desire to catch a glimpse of Him
the desert of your current circumstances
your desire to search until you reach His sanctuary
your willingness to believe without seeing and praise without feeling
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Have a conversation about your fears
Scripture:
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." DEUTERONOMY 31:8 (NIV)
Dialogue with God about:
your fear
the imagined and real obstacles
how His presence makes a difference
what practical steps of courage you can take
your need for Him
Pull up a chair and sit still
Photo: Aaron Burden on Unsplash
I encourage you to take a walk or sit under a fall tree and begin a dialogue with God, a two-way conversation, inviting Him to lead the way into peace, clarity, comfort… whatever you are longing for.
I’ll be praying for you.