Today’s Reflection
WE TAKE A GIANT STEP FORWARD in Christian devotion when we see it more as a life to be lived than as a time to be observed. Consequently, it is more appropriate to speak of a “devotional life” than a “devotional time.”
- Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People
Steve Harper, Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition,quoted in page 70 in A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck. Copyright & copy; 1990 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Do you agree that there is a difference between a devotional life and a devotional time? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
Psalm 72:1-2, NRSV
This Week: pray for those committed to new beginnings. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section below.
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This week we remember Simeon Stylites (January 5).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
A devotional time is part of a devotional life. I had not considered this thought before. I think you can have time without the life, but not life without the time. Will think more about this today.
I agree with Jill. One, time, leads to the other, life. Spending time with God leads to life with God.
A new year and new beginnings are on the horizon, my son starts a new school where he should be able to finish his degree, my daughter and her husband expect the birth of their first child, Anneliese and I are progressing in plans for our future together. So much to be thankful for.
Lord, your mercies are new everyday, in you there is hope and love eternal. I pray I keep on the path that leads to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Robert,
I like what you have to say.
May I offer tweaking your last sentence slightly?
Praise God that you are “keeping on keeping on” the path of righteousness.
From a psychological standpoint, when I pray that I might do ___ I leave room for distraction then doubt to creep in; then failure. When I praise God that I am doing ____ I make it tougher for the weakness to sneak in.
So, I’m Just Saying.
Thank you for the “tweak”. Its a good one. The Lord is with you.
Yes, a devotional life….that is my goal for 2013. Filled with devotional times that renew my spirit and devoted people who love God and encourage each other 365.
Happy New Year all.
Devotional life is a frame of mind that we all should strive for in our daily walk. Each day, each hour, each minute we walk, talk and breath.
Sure it’s a tall order but its what is required!!
Thanks for the reminder.
Jay,
I like what you have to say, too.
The devotional life is a frame of mind. I can always be in it. I don’t have to wait for a “devotional time”.
Devotional life is applying the truths of what we discover at devotional time. It is walking the talk. Putting in action what we learn from God’s Word.
Absolutely true! Thank you for your insight.