Creating Space For God: A Devotional Guide on the Kingdom of God

​This is a guide to help you encounter God through reflection, listening & prayer. Use this in your times of prayer, retreat, and Sabbath.

Click here to get a printable version of this guide.

SETTLE INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and slowly quiet your body, mind, and soul. Adjust to the silent stillness. Reflect on where you have been, what you have been doing, and what you have felt and experienced in the last several weeks. How has God been present to you? What are the things occupying your mind and heart? What hopes and fears do you have as you prepare to meet with God? Share these thoughts and feelings with God. Listen.

OPENING PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (From the Book of Common Prayer)

SCRIPTURE READING: MATTHEW 13:44-46

Take a few moments to sit with the following passage. Read through it, allowing it to wash over you, and speak to you. What words or verses caught your attention? Hold these words in your mind, paying attention to what is going through your mind and heart.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

​Matthew 13:44-46

​QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• Consider the two parables - both are about someone discovering treasure so valuable and priceless, the person is willing to sell everything to obtain the treasure. How much is the Kingdom of God worth to you? Have you experienced the Kingdom of God being worth more than anything else?
• As you reflection on the passage, what invitation is God giving to you? What next steps can you take to live that out?

CLOSING PRAYER

Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (From the Book of Common Prayer)

How was your experience as you went through this guide? How did God speak to you? Please share in the comments.

If you want more like this, check out the Spiritual Journey library for more guides.

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