The Way Of BlessingSample

Rhythms

It can be extremely liberating to understand our heavenly Father, the great I Am, as the person He really is rather than viewing Him as an abstract concept. The danger with viewing God as a concept is that we might find ourselves worshipping an idol that we have fashioned ourselves and then find ourselves unwittingly becoming warped by the experience. But the more we get to know Him, the Lord and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the more we will want to know Him and be with Him.

Jesus chose the disciples by inviting them to be with Him, and that is still His desire and invitation for you and I as well. We want to be among those whose heartfelt response is to say with amazement and delight, Yes Lord!

We understand that He has made every one of us to be unique and within that uniqueness we should be able to discover a pattern, a rhythm, of worship. Bible study and prayer that suits us. Our Maker, who has a desire to join us and lavish His time and attention on us, has built that rhythm within us. Do you realize just how much He delights in you and how much joy floods His heart every time He looks at you? Here is love, wide as the ocean, loving-kindness as the sea…

At Ffald-y-Brenin we have a framework, our Rhythm of Daily Prayer, which helps us and our guests as we meet together to come into His presence four times each day. Sometimes it is sheer joy to go to the meeting place and at other times we discipline ourselves because as long as we are clothed with mortal flesh our moods will be unpredictable. God already understands that—He made us—so there is no problem there. We are surprised by the thousands of copies that have been purchased from around the world and the testimonies of blessing we receive as a result, but there is no demand or imposition upon anyone that they should use it or meet four times daily. If it is right and possible, go for it, and if it isn’t, do something else. But do something!

Daphne reads the Bible as soon as she awakes and then goes for a brisk walk while she prays. I usually play worship loudly and have breakfast ready for her return because I am useless first thing in the morning. She would struggle with the sound of praise so early. We are different to each other and that’s Ok, an expression of our individuality, our unique make-up. Religion instructs us to get up early and pray; that works well for many but would be a ridiculous burden for others, placing a destructive law upon them.

But however you are made temperamentally and whatever your lifestyle, you need to find a pattern, a regular rhythm, that works for you and gives space to worship, praying, reading the Bible, and having time to listen to Him.

How can we minister blessing if we have not been in the tent of meeting? To be a people who are walking in the Way of Blessing demands we expend time with Him.