Quiet Table Guide: October 19-25
Scripture for the week: John 15:4-5
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
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: Praying the Hours
To help you grow in prayer and presence this week, I want to invite you to try an ancient practice called Praying the Hours. It’s simple. Set three alarms on your phone: one in the morning, one at midday, and one in the evening. When the alarm goes off, pause—just for a few moments—and pray this short prayer:
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ within me.
Christ all around me.
There’s nothing magical about these words, but they help us remember that wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, Christ is near. Over time, this practice forms a rhythm—one that keeps us anchored in God’s presence, not just in the morning quiet time but throughout the day.
The world doesn’t need more Christians who are busy doing for God. It needs more Christians who are learning to be with God—people whose peace and presence flow out to others. So this week, slow down. Listen. Be still. Let prayer shape your presence, and let presence become your prayer.
