Becoming Like Jesus: Silence and SolitudeSample

The Lord is My Shepherd

If you haven’t yet, invite some people to join this plan with you! One of the best ways to stay intentional with a practice is to do it alongside others. It’s been said that we may be able to go faster on our own, but we always go further together. Share your experiences with them and ask them to share what God has been doing in their lives.

Pray…

God, you are the good shepherd. You know me and you love me. You chased after me even when I wasn’t sure I wanted to be found. You have never given up on me. And I never want to give up on you. Help me to stay close to you. In Jesus name, amen.

Read…

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalms 23:1-6 NIV

Consider…

The Lord is our shepherd. He cares for and provides for us. Just like a shepherd is supposed to. When we are close to Him, the fears and challenges of life feel so much smaller. That doesn’t mean they aren’t still there, it just means that God gives us the strength we need to deal with them. And the longer we walk with Him, the more His goodness and love flow through our lives and into the lives of others.

Think about a time in your life when you were lost or overwhelmed. How did God show up for you during that time? How have you seen God continue to help you in times of need? Have those experiences made it easier for you to help others when they are in need?

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you won’t be distracted. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch.

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.

Ask God to speak to you.

When you get distracted, think about

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you spent together and head into the rest of your day with a clearer sense of His presence.