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Regular Times of Listening
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
It is important to observe regular times for listening regarding the matters that especially concern you. In The Secret of Guidance, Frederick B. Meyer is again helpful at this practical level: “Be still each day for a short time, sitting before God in meditation, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the truth of Christ’s indwelling. Ask God to be pleased to make known to you what is the riches of the glory of this mystery.”
If we maintain this general habit, then, when we are aware of a need for a particular word from God, we will be able to listen for it with greater patience, confidence and acuteness. Generally it is much more important to cultivate the quiet, inward space of a constant listening than to always be approaching God for specific direction.
MEDITATION AND PRAYER: Read Colossians 1:27 again and spend some time really tasting and considering these words and phrases: riches, mystery, hope of glory.
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Now ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the truth of Christ’s indwelling. Ask God to make known to you what “is the riches of the glory of this mystery” today.
About this Plan
Dallas Willard urged us to learn and practice prayer as a two-way dialogue with God. These excerpts from his best-selling book Hearing God, assembled by Jan Johnson, are an invitation to meet God, to allow his voice to shape your choices, and to encourage your heart. As you begin this four-week reading plan, thank God that he promises to meet you wherever you are in your faith journey.
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