READ-THINK-PRAY-REST: God’s Pathway to PeaceSample

Do you ever take the time to stop and think about the reality that the God of the Universe has made his home within you? This is a profound mystery--at once unsettling and soothing, mind-boggling and comforting. How can such a thing be? As Augustine said, God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves, intimately engaged with every fiber of our being.

Jesus spoke about this on many occasions to his closest followers. He wanted them to understand that when he was gone and the Spirit had come to dwell within each of them, his presence would be as real as the days they walked together through the streets of Damascus or Capernaum or Jerusalem. 

He wants this for you too—to know that you are not alone, that you never have to depend on your own power or personality to get by in this world. He is God with us, the Helper who never leaves, who quietly waits for you in the hollow of your heart, day in and day out. Amidst the chaos and confusion of this anxious world, you have a Comforter within, the Spirit who delights to show you who God is and all he has for you. His presence is your peace. 

Read: Sit quietly and read the passages from beginning to end without stopping. When you finish, read them one more time, asking God to open the eyes of your heart as you meet him here today.

Think: What is the promise here? How does Jesus describe the Spirit? What are the things the Spirit will do? What will the Spirit be for you? What do you learn about God from these verses? About how he wants to relate to you?

Pray: As you ponder these verses and what you’ve seen so far, ask God two simple questions: Lord, what are you inviting me to understand from this for my life today? Wait on him, and once you think you’ve heard something, ask this: Lord, how do you want me to respond to this today?

Rest: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes or more in God’s presence. Breathe deeply throughout, offering this prayer whenever your mind wanders: I welcome you in my heart Lord. When your time is up, thank God for meeting you in His Word.

If you enjoyed this reading plan, go to www.soulatrest.com  to connect with author Tricia McCary Rhodes and read more from The Soul at Rest: A 40 day Journey into a Life of Prayer.