Church Directory
“A Quiet Time Companion”
Pastor Barry Klein, Staples Church of Christ
It would be interesting to sit down and visit with you so that I could take in what your quiet time with the Lord is like. I know that’s a sacred time, so I wouldn’t want to presume upon you if it wasn’t appropriate.
But maybe we can use this devotional occasion to pique a deepening interest in and engagement with our personal time with Jesus.
I’m reminded of a song from yesteryear by Ralph Carmichael (1967), “There is A Quiet Place.” Its lyrics go like this: (verse 1) “There is a quiet place, far from the rapid pace, where God can soothe my troubled mind. Sheltered by tree and flower, there in my quiet hour with Him, my cares are left behind.” (verse 2) “Whether a garden small, or on a mountain tall, new strength and courage there I find. Then from this quiet place, I go to prepare to face, a new day with love for all mankind.”
I’m intrigued by those who have come before us as they capture the daily rhythm of a hour alone with God each day. I hope that will someday soon be every day for me. Some of the titles of the songs are “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “Tis The Blessed Hour of Prayer,” “Lord, I Have Shut The Door,” and “Draw Me Nearer” to name a few.
There’s no replacement in our quiet times with God in being in prayer and meditating slowly on His Word, the Bible. For years, I’ve had a companion. The book was written by 15th century Thomas ‘A Kempis entitled “The Imitation of Christ.” Spiritual Director Richard Foster sees this little book as a most profoundly helpful book for every successive generation in coming alongside of the Bible and prayer. It’s such a clear description and call to what it means to be totally focused on God. It needs to be read in small portions to encourage unhurried reflection and application into life.
Whatever your style is of getting away to be with God, let’s encourage each other to be more deeply intentional in weaving our time with the Lord into the fabric of our day.
We’re sure on good precedent ground in Jesus’ own living example. After a very full previous day, we read in Mark 1:35 (NIV) “Very early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” If the all sufficient Second Person of the Triune God in human form needed and valued this, my need is exponentially more.
Jesus is constantly waiting to meet with us.
