Quiet Table Guide: November 16-23
Scripture for the week: Ephesians 3:16-19
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
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: Blessing Others
When we are blessed and encouraged we are better able to internalize our value, worth, and dignity
This makes it more likely that we will be people who are able to receive and give love
When we go without blessing and encouragement we remain stuck in the lies that prevent us from receiving and giving love
When we bless, we participate in the very way God loves people
This week, choose one day and become a person of blessing
Here’s how it works:
1. Begin the morning by asking God to help you see
A short prayer to start the day:
“Jesus, open my eyes today to see people as You see them. Show me who needs blessing, and give me words that give life.”
2. Throughout the day, intentionally bless or encourage as many people as the Spirit brings to mind
This doesn’t mean be vaguely positive or go around flattering people
Blessing is: Speaking God’s heart over someone with truth, clarity, and kindness
Examples:
I see God’s gentleness in you
The way you care for people is a gift to the world
Your presence brings peace to this space
And if you can’t say it out loud in the moment, speak it privately to God on their behalf
3. When you feel the urge to criticize, compare, or control, bless instead
This is the transformational piece
Blessing shifts the interior world
Blessing is how we practice love in real time
4. End the day with simple reflection
Before bed, ask:
Where did I bless today?
How did it shape my heart?
Where might God be forming me?
Close with:
“Jesus, thank You for letting me carry your blessing today. Root my life in your love.”
