Small Beginnings
Who dares despise the day of small beginnings?
- Zechariah 4:10
This week we’re considering simple steps towards the spiritual practices that would give space for God to enliven our hearts souls. Instead of filling every moment with activity or screens, we’re going to learn some simple, small practices to change our lives. May it be like yeast that gives rise to the whole batch of dough. These small things are not to be despised in God’s kingdom.
The Welcome Prayer
We're going to practice a daily prayer to help us embrace the life God is giving us and to let go of the ways we seek to find meaning apart from Jesus. It’s very simple and should take less than 3 minutes. But it’s very yeasty!
Set a daily alarm to remind you to pray. Set it for a time that would usually work for you, like in the morning after you get your coffee, or in the afternoon on your break, or in the evening after dinner. When it goes off, find a little bit of private space and time.
Breath deeply three times, enjoying the freedom to pause and let go.
Close your eyes and do a brief ‘body scan’ where you feel through different parts of your body to see if there’s any stress hiding in any part. As you find strain, discomfort, soreness or tension, name that to God with a simple: “God, I feel (my back, etc.) - help me know what’s causing those feelings in my body.”
Pause for 10 seconds, waiting to see if God gives you any clarity on what’s going on.
Hold your hands upright and pray this prayer of surrender: “God, I surrender to you my need for security, affirmation, and control.” You may need to repeat that a couple of times to let it sink in to your own soul. And take a moment to imagine turning everything over to God.
Close with a simple prayer of openness to God today: “Almighty God, I welcome all you give me this day - every feeling, thought, experience and circumstance. I welcome them because through Christ, you will be with me always, Amen.”