A Very Practical Guide by Nick Nye
Introduction
Jude did not have much to say. At least, we can assume as much since his letter was only 25 verses long. But he did have some profound encouragement for us — pay attention to the love of God. Verses 20-21 state, “[20] But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” In a world of let downs and disappointment, we, even as Christians, need built up. We are reminded of how to be built up in verse 21- “keeping ourselves in the love of God.” But how do we do that? We are keeping ourselves in the love of God through experiencing his powerful presence in our lives, which means spending time with him, reflecting upon his truth, and learning to speak and listen to God.
The following document is designed to help you cultivate an extended time with our Lord Jesus Christ. If you are anything like me, you tend to get distracted easily and need practical guidance as you move through long moments of reading and reflection. This plan will give you a powerful chance to hear from the Lord and rest in His presence. Remember what the Psalmist writes, “You lead me in the path of life. I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.” - Psalm 16:11. Sheer delight!
A Note Before Starting
This guide is for a five-hour day. In my experience, you will be under tremendous pressure as you prepare to make this happen. You will doubt whether it is wise to take a vacation day from work, whether the location you are going to will truly be helpful, and whether you should follow through with this, considering all the other demands on your schedule.
Nearly every temptation will come at you to bail out on this important day. Be ready! It is important for you to see that you are preparing for warfare. It is important you know what’s in front of you—time in the presence of your King Jesus! As you set everything up for your day away, consider asking a close friend or family member to pray for you as well as spend time reading and praying through Ephesians 6:10-20,
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Setting
Choose a place away from home or work, a place you might be somewhat familiar with so there are no surprises. Make sure the setting allows you to rest. If you live in the city, consider driving out to the country, finding a quiet park or a long hiking trail you can walk along and stop throughout the time to write and read. We’re currently compiling a list of local retreat centers we recommend as well, so please email hello@forcolumbus.org with your suggestions if you have any. The most important thing is to choose a setting that you are comfortable with and will keep you from distraction.
Bring the following with you in a backpack so you can move around...
● Bible, a study bible may be helpful for some of the ‘study’ time.
● Journal & pen
● Snack & drink (unless you are fasting)
● Blanket
Remember our goal: On this day, we seek God. God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We don’t seek peace alone, quiet alone, enlightenment alone. Those are by-products of time with Jesus.
Hour One
20 Minutes: “Palms Up, Palms Down”
1 Peter 5:7 calls us to “cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Follow this simple practice to demonstrate this call.
1. Hold your palms up as if you are carrying something. What are you carrying — Decisions at work? Family dynamics? Relationships? Financial burdens? Habitual sins? Look at all those things, recognize them as burdens you are carrying.
2. Hold your palms down as if you have just dumped everything on the floor. Imagine all those heavy burdens falling to the feet of Jesus. Hear Jesus speak his word, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
3. Hold your palms up again, this time empty of burdens, ready to receive what the Holy Spirit desires today. Anticipate his filling you not with burdens, tasks, or more ‘to do lists’, but with himself. Wait with joy before our King.
20 Minutes: Read Aloud
Read through several psalms out loud. Start with Psalm 16, 19, 42 and 51. If you have other psalms that catch your attention, read those out loud as if someone is speaking them directly to you.
What is God saying to you? Is there any one word or sentence that is particularly stirring to you?
20 Minutes: Walk
Take a walk in silence. Simply be with God. Imagine him walking with you, pointing out signs of his love in creation, his scripture for us, ways in which he has never left you in trouble.
Stop at points in your walk and listen. If you feel yourself drifting in distraction, read a psalm again or reflect on that one word or verse that stirred you earlier.
Hour Two
20 Minutes: Reflect
Take a posture of reflection. Kneel, lie facedown, stand with your arms open, look to heaven, etc. Pray, seek God.
Focus more on the attitude and posture of your heart than what’s next. What attitude is the Spirit wanting you to hear? Humility? Joy? Celebration? Brokenness?
10- 20 Minutes: Feast
Though you may have been led to fast from food during this time, if you have not, take some time to eat a snack.
Remember the feast that Jesus is preparing for us. Revelation 19:9 states, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” You are invited and this small snack is a representation of what is to come.
Reflect that as your body needs food, water, proper nutrients, your soul needs God’s Word.
20-30 Minutes: Rest
Are you sleepy? Take a nap— Seriously! Consider taking 20-30 minutes to sleep. Go back to your car if you are at a park, bring a blanket to lay down where you are—find a way to rest. The truth is one of the most spiritual things God may be calling you to do is simply take a nap.
As you prepare to sleep, remember that God enjoys giving rest to those he loves (Psalm 127:2). This is one of the most powerful practices of displaying that God has everything under control, even if you are completely checked out of this world.
Hour Three
30 Minutes: Study
Read the book of Jude. Outline the entire book in your own words. Highlight/underline key words or sentences. Explore those words.
If you have a study Bible, read through the notes and write down questions you have from the passage.
Then, try to answer your questions with the guidance of the Spirit. Look up other scriptures (cross-referencing).
30 Minutes: Journal
Write the phrase or word that stood out to you most in your time in the Bible. How is this passage life-giving to you?
Write down some important events in your life over the last 1-6 months. How have you seen God using those for his glory and your good?
Which events provoke feelings of sadness? Which ones bring joy?
Which events or situations are coming up that you need to pray for?
Hour Four
Look at this chart. For the last hour of your time, reflect on what this picture is painting by looking at the holiness of God in worshiping him as he is and confessing your sinfulness. Then end your time celebrating the cross of Christ. Jesus has risen and fills in the gap for us!
20 Minutes: Worship God
God has many names throughout the Bible. These names reflect characteristics and the nature of God. Spend 20 minutes slowly reflecting on these names in worship to God.(See “Names for Worshiping God” in Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Calhoun)
Trinity: Father, Son Jesus Christ, and Holy SpiritAlpha (beginning) & Omega (end) Abba Brother | Creator Defender Everlasting Finisher Gracious Hallowed I Am Justifier | Key Long-Suffering Meek Near Only-Begotten Provider Queller-of-Storms | Ruler Treasure Unhurried Vine Wise Yours Zealous |
20 Minutes: Confession
Honestly look at your sins and confess them to the Lord. Invite God to look deep into your soul and reveal sins you may not be able to see. This is an intimate time, take it slow and seek to listen. Continue to write words and attitudes that come to mind.
Ask these questions of yourself for self-examination:
1. What occupies most of your thoughts and attention throughout the day?
2. Which spending patterns do you have that can point to idols?
3. Which relationships have occupied your attention?
4. Which things seem to knock you down?
5. Where are you blame-shifting?
6. What do you regularly deny?
3. Read David’s confession in Psalm 51.
20 Minutes: Celebrate
Say aloud: “Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and has risen from the dead. I now stand before you, God, blameless, righteous and completely forgiven.”
Thank God for sending Jesus Christ into this world
Reflect on Jesus’ words “It is finished”(John19:30)-What do Jesus’ words say
to you?
Hour Five
30 Minutes: Ponder
Take time to walk around and reflect on this experience.
How has this time been? Has it been different than you expected? Write down
what you would do differently next time.
How can you recalibrate your normal daily rhythms to seek Jesus regularly?
As you return home, what things do you want to leave with God? What do you
want to take home?
30 Minutes: Explore
Consider writing poetry, drawing a picture, taking some photos with your phone or simply capturing a memory that expresses this day.
Take time to reflect on the day and write down any reflections as your time draws to a close.
Conclusion
I confess that this was written for me. I needed this kind of structure and guidance, but I realize this isn’t the structure for everyone at every season in life. Not many of you will take five whole hours. That’s okay. There is no right way or wrong way to spend time with God. But there is always and will always be an invitation to a relationship to God. You may not feel the ‘spiritual high’ you expected from this day. I warn you—you may even feel discouraged from this time. Maybe you didn’t focus enough or flaked out halfway through. Again, it is okay! It takes a lot to follow this plan perfectly (I don’t), and I don’t want you to feel disappointed if the day didn’t go as planned.
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun shares, “Trust that a moment will come when the seeds planted today will sprout. Perhaps days from now you will have an insight that comes from a deep insight you didn’t have before. Or perhaps in stressful times ahead you will notice an inner shift toward patience and kindness. Bonding with God will bring forth fruit in due season.” (Spiritual Discipline Handbook, pg. 280)