Quiet Table Guide: June 1-7
Scripture for the week: 1 Timothy 4:7–8
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1. Ready Your Heart
Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer:
Holy Spirit, guide me into truth and shape me through this time with you.
2. Read
Read 1 Timothy 4:7–8, take your time.
Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day this week.
3. Reflect
What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today?
What might the Spirit be highlighting in your life—disordered loves, myths you’re tempted to believe, areas where training is needed?
4. Respond
How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today?
Where is God inviting you to reorder your life by devotion to Jesus through spiritual training?
5. Receive
Be still.
Let go of striving.
Rest in the loving presence of Jesus.
Ask him to graciously form you for the life he desires for you.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK: Sacred Conversation
Sacred Conversation is simply a way to tell the story of God’s activity in your life.
Here’s how it works:
Once you’ve identified what might be standing between your life now and the life God wants for you, and you’ve chosen a few spiritual practices to begin with, reach out to a brother or sister in Christ — someone you trust — and say something like:
I’d like to grab coffee this week and share with you what God is doing in my life.
When you get together you’re going to share three things.
These three things are what make the conversation sacred:
What God is saying to you
How you’re responding
Prayer invitation
What God is saying to you
What has God been revealing through prayer, Scripture, or reflection about the gap between where you are and where he is leading you?
How you’re responding
What specific practices are you stepping into this season?
I’ve decided to fast from all social media
I’ve decided to give God the first 30 minutes of my day
I’ve decided to give 10% of my income
I’ve decided to journal my feelings
I’ve decided to pray the Examen each night
Prayer invitation
Ask if they’re willing and invite them to pray for you right now and over the next few weeks.
SUGGESTED
Have at least one sacred conversation with a sister or brother in Christ.
Q. What if I don’t know exactly what’s keeping me from the life God has for me?
A. Share that you’re seeking God about this, invite them to pray for your clarity, and ask them if they have any insight to offer from their perspective.
Here’s a good question to ask: How do you experience me in our relationship?
What do you notice, what do you perceive, what stands out to you?
Ask them to share openly and honestly and try not to defend yourself but receive it like bad tasting medicine that you know is good for you.
Hint: If you are reluctant to have this conversation with someone, simply notice that there is some work to be done, take a step of faith by leaning into the grace and compassion of Jesus, and go for it anyway.
