What's on your mind?
I wonder what you were thinking about a few minutes ago? I read somewhere that our minds are generally fixed on one of three things:
This may seem a bit negative, but it probably contains at least an element of truth: we are more likely to dwell on the perplexing or negative aspects of life than on the presence of God.
Proverbs 4:23 says: ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’
Guarding our hearts is really about monitoring the things we think about. We may not believe that we have much control over this, but perhaps encounterprayer can help us here. It offers something else to which we can direct our thoughts – especially if we are prone to negativity.
- dwelling on the past
- planning or worrying about the future
- pondering one or more temptations or distractions
This may seem a bit negative, but it probably contains at least an element of truth: we are more likely to dwell on the perplexing or negative aspects of life than on the presence of God.
Proverbs 4:23 says: ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’
Guarding our hearts is really about monitoring the things we think about. We may not believe that we have much control over this, but perhaps encounterprayer can help us here. It offers something else to which we can direct our thoughts – especially if we are prone to negativity.
Encounterprayer can be so useful for bringing our minds back to the wonder of God at any time of the day (or night!). Whenever we wish, we can refocus on the truth of the Father’s deep love for us - perhaps especially in those moments when we feel ignored, unloved, put down by others, or generally low. We can then seek to find the reassuring presence of Jesus, particularly when we may be feeling lonely or confused, and also have the privilege of talking to him and hearing his whisper back to us. Finally, we can remind ourselves of the active presence of the Holy Spirit, perhaps especially at those moments when we feel weak and powerless, or when the pull of temptation or negative thinking seems strong.
I love Encounter Prayer! It began as a way of bringing the ministry of Jesus to others, but I have found it to be such a personal resource for me whenever I find my mind wandering into negative thoughts.
With every blessing,
John Ryeland
I love Encounter Prayer! It began as a way of bringing the ministry of Jesus to others, but I have found it to be such a personal resource for me whenever I find my mind wandering into negative thoughts.
With every blessing,
John Ryeland
