Open to His Word

In our first meeting, I described how a follower of Jesus sets aside time and space every day for focused communion with the Lord. This conversation on abiding continues each time we meet. We talk about the soul’s need for daily food from the Word of God. And how to come with minds and hearts open to the Truth of Scripture. About the importance of waiting and listening as we pray.

Open hearts

There’s a prayer written multiple times with several variations in my journals. Simple and basic.  “Lord, open my eyes that I may see. Open my ears that I may hear. Open my heart to obey Your Word today.”

We consider the different ways we receive and learn the Word of God. This simple diagram designed by The Navigators explains it well. [NOTE: Their tool is easily reproducible and can be found here. I’ve added “OBEY God’s Word, James 1:22-25” to the palm of the hand.]

Open response

How refreshing to read the Bible with this new believer. To hear her observations and questions. His Word is ancient and new–and eternal. Mystery and revelation. Relevant to daily life. Treasure appears no matter how many times we read a passage.

Through the years, as I’ve studied the Word of God, I’ve often responded in free verse form. It’s a meditation. A conversation in prayer about His Truth. Somehow it helps me clarify what I’ve seen and heard.  Below is an example of one way I’ve prayed and meditated through a passage.

How about you?

How do you make time and space to be alone with the Father every day in your particular life season? What helps you meditate on God’s Word? What’s a creative method that helps you remember and apply the Scriptures?

A meditation on Mark 7:32-37

“Ephphatha,”

You said to the deaf man
with muddled speech.
After
fingers in his ears,
spit on his hindered tongue.

“Be opened.”

And his ears were flung wide
to the sounds of life
on every side.

His tongue was untied,
unlocked from whatever
held it captive.

He began to speak.
Clearly.
His open ears and loosened tongue
a proclamation
of the astonishing
Jesus.

“Tell no one.”

But they did.
“Extremely astonished”
by Your work and Your way.

“He has done everything well.”

Some days
my hearing is dulled,
my tongue is tied.
I don’t speak Your glory
and truth.

Touch my ears,
my lips.
Whisper “Ephphatha” to my heart.
“Be opened.”

That I may truly
listen
and obey,
speaking clearly
Truth
of the astonishing
Jesus.

You do all things well.

susan lynn lafferty
4 February 2014
New Delhi, India

Related posts: “Teach me Your way, Lord…” ; Rushing past