Quiet Table Guide: October 26-November 1
Scripture for the week: Matthew 17:1-8
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
1. Ready Your Heart
Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
2. Read
Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)
3. Reflect
What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today? What in your life might the Holy Spirit be drawing your attention to?
4. Respond
How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today? Remember what you shared with your group about what you are doing to put the word into practice.
5. Receive
Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.
6. Practice: Media Fast
This week’s practice is going to be relatively easy for some and seemingly impossible for others
This week, we’re going to fast but not from food—from media
Why?
Because we can’t hear the still, small voice of God when we’re constantly tuned in to the world’s noise
Richard Foster wrote, The purpose of fasting is not to get God’s attention, but to give Him ours
Here’s how it works:
This week, fast from all nonessential media and social media—everything that keeps your mind buzzing and your heart reactive
That means:
No scrolling through social media feeds
No cable news, commentary, or podcasts
No YouTube rabbit holes or constant background noise
Use that time instead for listening
Each Day:
Resist – Begin and end your day with two minutes of silence.
Breathe deeply and pray, Speak, Lord, your son/daughter is listening.
Replace – Whenever you feel the urge to check your phone, replace that impulse with a short prayer or moment of awareness
Lord, what are You saying in this moment?
If you’re one of those people who has your favorite news channel running in the background 24-7, just turn it off
Consider putting on some worship music instead
Reflect – Notice what surfaces when the noise goes quiet—restlessness, boredom, anxiety, peace?
Ask God what He wants to show you in the restlessness, boredom, anxiety, or peace
Record – Write down one thing each day that you sense the Spirit saying or revealing to you
If you don’t hear or sense God is saying something to you, simply write that down and move onto the next day
This is not a test of willpower
It’s simply a practice to retrain your heart
There’s nothing to earn and you have nothing to prove
You’re just making space to listen
