Becoming Like Jesus: Silence and SolitudeSample

Alpha and Omega

Pray…

Father, thank you for the promise of New Creation. There is so much hurt and pain in this world. I know you’re here. I know you’re working. And I know that when Jesus returns He’s going to finish what He started and make every wrong thing right. I long for that day. In Jesus name, amen.

Read…

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. - Revelation 21:1-7 NIV

Consider…

Jesus is coming back. This is the promise the Bible gives and it is the hope the Church has held onto for 2000 years. He isn’t done and He hasn’t abandoned us. Instead, we look forward to the day when Jesus comes to make all things new. To wipe away every tear. To heal every hurt. To bring an end to death and suffering, once and for all. But, God is patient. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but wants everyone to repent and put their trust in Jesus. So He is waiting, until just the right time to return. Until that day comes, we have been given a job to do: partner with God in His redemptive plan to rescue others from sin and restore creation.

When you think about Jesus’s return, what do you think of? Is it a source of hope for you like it was for Jesus’ first followers? Or is it something that scares you? No matter what, remember, the promise of Jesus’ return has always been a part of the Gospel, and the Gospel is good news.

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, and sit quietly, eagerly listening for what He has to say.

Settle in by praying these words adapted from a prayer the Apostle Paul included in Ephesians:

Father God, Give me the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Fill me to the brim with all the fullness of you. In Jesus name, amen.

When you get distracted, repeat the prayer above to help you bring your attention back to God.

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.