A Day with the Lord

Have you ever considered setting aside a day to spend with the Lord? The following are ideas and suggestions on experiencing a rich and meaningful day with the Lord. Plan well so that you can avoid interruptions and distractions as much as possible. But if unplanned interruptions or distractions (people-induced) occur, respond with grace and treat the occurrence as part of your interaction with God.

Spend time in the Word

• Select a short New Testament letter (e.g., Galatians, Philippians, 1 Peter, etc.) and read it through in one sitting. Ask God to meet with you, speak to you and teach you.
• Select a passage, story or short book from the Old Testament and do the same. Or review some of your favorite Psalms and simply hang out with God as you do.

Converse with God

• Maintain a running conversation with the Lord throughout the day. Psalm 105:4
• Ask him to lead you in this experience with him today. Let him minister to you.
• Listen to him. Spend time simply listening. Avoid the drive to be doing something besides listening! Psalm 46:10
• Take time to worship, praise, thank and enjoy him! Psalm 100
• Rehearse with him all he’s done for you, your family and our church family. Give him all the credit (glory) for all good things in your life. Psalm 16:2
• Ask him to reveal areas in your life that are not pleasing to him and that he wants to change. Then ask him for a strategy for partnering with him in dependent diligence to tackle that issue or issues. Psalm 139:23-24
• Review your relationship with the Lord. How do you treat him? How do you daily pursue deeper relationship with him? Psalm 86:11; Psalm 139
  > Is there anyone you need to forgive? Do it! Psalm 86:5
  > Is there anyone whose forgiveness you need to ask? Do it!
  > Assess your relationships with your spouse, children and family. Are there changes God wants you to make in your attitudes and behaviors? How can you demonstrate your love and care for them?
  > Assess your relationships with your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Are there changes God wants you to make in your attitudes and behaviors?  How can you demonstrate God’s love to them? Psalm 78:72
  > Assess your relationships with the church family. Are there changes God wants you to make in your attitudes and behaviors? How can you build a spirit of unity and love among them? In what ways are you serving others, showing them Christ’s love? 1 Peter 4:10
  > Ask God, “How can I demonstrate your great love to someone today?”
• What God-sized goals does God want you to trust him for? Psalm 81:10

Additional options

• Read a portion from a stimulating Christian book.
• Listen to a message from a pastor.
• Listen to worship music and/or sing and play an instrument to the Lord.
• Engage in a fast of your choosing.
• Journal what God is telling you throughout the day.

Debrief with a spiritual partner
Within a day or two of completing the above experience, debrief your experience with a spiritual partner. Ask them to keep you accountable to follow through with assignments God has given you. Ask your spiritual partner to pray with and for you.

© Rob Fischer 2009