Beloved

I got to tell ya, recently our new bible studies have just been awesome. We have been talking about different types of prayers that have traditional Christian history behind them, but what we are doing is taking them a step further. Going from boring tradition/religion and taking them to a relationship. To not just expressing how we feel and how we are doing but also communing with Jesus. Learning to hear His voice even with all the noise of the world around us. We talked about the prayer of Examin last week which looks like this;

Taking a look at the last 24-hrs of your life and #1 expressing gratitude for everything and everybody in your life. Then you reflect on how God's presence has been or might have been made tangible in that time (24-hr). Then finally #3 confessing failure; this is the time to grow and to realize that we are human and we make mistakes but it is also a time to allow Jesus in and allow Him to shape and mold our lives so that we can be who He wants us to be.

This week we talked about the prayer "Lectio Divina" which is Latin for "Devine Reading." I know this sounds like a typical bible study versus a prayer but it isn't... it is a time where you sit by yourself with God and read a scripture that pertains to a life instance, and what it is designed by God to do (Isaiah 55: 10-11) is to take Gods Word and make it REAL in your life by listening to the quiet Voice of God. Then after reading and reflecting then it is time to RESPOND to what God is telling you, or showing you. Rest in it, or as I told my friends- "marinate" in it (God's Presence)... the idea is that you take the time to listen, which takes patience and willingness to let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to God's shaping. Once we have heard from God we are naturally drawn to prayer and that brings us closer to Him, and His will for our lives.

I know that this is a lot to take in but try it and see if it doesn't make Jesus Christ way more evident in your life.

Oh and one more thing, I have been listening to this song called "Beloved" a song written and performed by Tenth Avenue North... I love, love, love this song. I have the lyrics below. Go download it on your itunes or something, it is well worth it and it will minister to your life.

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
Give me your life
The Lust and the lies
The past you're afraid I might see
You've been running away from me

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for

For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me
It's a mystery

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
I am the giver of life
I'll clothe you in white
My immaculate bride you will be
Oh come running home to me

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me

Well you've been a mistress, my wife
You Chasing lovers it won't satisfy
Won't you let me make you my bride
You will drink of my lips
And you'll taste new life

Cause you're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and it binds you to me

You're my beloved
Forever we'll be
Our love it unites us
And it binds you to me
It's a mystery