Quiet Table Guide: July 6-12

Scripture: Luke 24:13–35

1. Ready Your Heart

Begin with a moment of silence.

Take a deep breath.

Pray:

Lord, I bring my heart before You—just as it is. Meet me in Your mercy.

2. Read

Each day, read Luke 24:13–35 slowly and prayerfully.

You may want to read aloud or from different translations during the week.

Optional additional readings for reflection:

• Psalm 42

• Lamentations 3:17–26

• Psalm 13

• John 11:32–36

• Romans 8:22–28

3. Reflect

Ask yourself:

What word, phrase, or image stands out to me today?

Where do I recognize disappointment or loss in my life right now?

What emotions are stirred in me as I read this passage?

What do I hear Jesus saying to my heart through this story?

Take time to journal if it helps.

4. Respond

Let your reading and reflection lead to action or prayer.

You might:

• Name a disappointment to God.

• Write your own prayer of lament.

• Share your heart honestly with a trusted friend or in your table group.

Pray:

Jesus, You meet me on the road of disappointment. Help me to bring my whole heart to You and trust that You will walk with me.

5. Receive

Close with stillness.

Let go of your thoughts and rest in God’s presence.

You don’t need to fix or figure anything out. Just be with Him.

Let Him carry what you’ve shared.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK: Lament

Lament is simply prayer in the middle of our pain and disappointment

In, The Cry of the Soul, Dan Allender says, Lament is a cry for mercy. It is a protest that the world is not as it should be. And it is also a profound act of faith to bring that cry before God.

Here’s how to put it into practice:

Set aside a few minutes each day this week and do the following…

1. Turn to God

God, I bring this disappointment to you—not because I know what to do with it, but because I know you are near

2. Name the Loss

I had hoped…

It hurts because…

Speak honestly

Be unedited

Name what was lost

3. Identify the Emotions

• I feel sad

• I feel afraid

• I feel angry

• I feel confused

Let the emotions rise up and be seen in God’s presence

4. Ask Boldly

Jesus, restore my courage. Walk with me. Reframe my story.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, for healing, for hope

5. Trust Honestly

You are still good. You are still near. You are not done with my story.

You don’t have to feel it fully—just pray it sincerely

Lament doesn’t just give voice to pain—it opens the door for God’s healing presence to meet us there

It’s how we bring our real selves to the real God