Reading the Word & Contemplating His Presence Sermon Delivered to Luther House Chapel @21/09/08 by Rev. Thomas Low

Reading the Word

& Contemplating His Presence

Romans 12: “ 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

“ 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Madame Guyon (1648-1717) in her book, “ Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ .”

Madame Guyon (1648-1717) in her book,

“ Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ .”

Two Approches : ‘ Praying the Scripture’ ‘ Beholding the Lord’ or ‘waiting in His presnce’

‘ Praying the Scripture’

‘ Beholding the Lord’ or ‘waiting in His presnce’

‘ Praying the Scripture’

‘ Praying the Scripture’ Choose a simple passage

Choose a simple passage

‘ Praying the Scripture’ Choose a simple passage Read it slowly

Choose a simple passage

Read it slowly

‘ Praying the Scripture’ Choose a simple passage Read it slowly Try to sense the heart of each verse before moving on

Choose a simple passage

Read it slowly

Try to sense the heart of each verse before moving on

‘ Praying the Scripture’ Choose a simple passage Read it slowly Try to sense the heart of each verse before moving on When something strikes you as meaningful, turn it into prayer

Choose a simple passage

Read it slowly

Try to sense the heart of each verse before moving on

When something strikes you as meaningful, turn it into prayer

‘ Behold the Lord’

‘ Behold the Lord’ The goal here is ‘ focusing His presence ’ rather than ‘knowing the Word’.

The goal here is ‘ focusing His presence ’ rather than ‘knowing the Word’.

‘ Behold the Lord’ The goal here is ‘focusing His presence’ rather than ‘knowing the Word’. The Key is ‘ faith ’

The goal here is ‘focusing His presence’ rather than ‘knowing the Word’.

The Key is ‘ faith ’

‘ Behold the Lord’ Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence.

Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence.

‘ Behold the Lord’ Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence. Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence.

Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence.

Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence.

‘ Behold the Lord’ Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence. Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence. Keep your heart and mind fixed on the presence of God.

Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence.

Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence.

Keep your heart and mind fixed on the presence of God.

‘ Behold the Lord’ Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence. Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence. Keep your heart and mind fixed on the presence of God. When your mind wanders, return to the Scripture to refocus on God’s presence.

Use a passage of Scripture to help focus on God’s presence.

Read the words until you are able to focus on God’s presence.

Keep your heart and mind fixed on the presence of God.

When your mind wanders, return to the Scripture to refocus on God’s presence.

John 14 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him , for he lives with you and will be in you .

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him , for he lives with you and will be in you .

John 14 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.