"Put Jesus in the centre, and everything will come together."
It's actually a promise because Jesus said if we seek after Him, put Him first and do things His way, then He will add all the other things that everyone else spends their life chasing frantically after. He will add them to our life without all the stress and striving on our part. (Matthew 6:25-33)
This leaves us with the opportunity to focus on Jesus and His way of life and to reap the benefits of putting Jesus in the centre of our world. Some benefits of living like this, are that life becomes less hectic, and we discover that we can carry peace with us, a peace that carries us through the busyness, struggles and activity that is part of most of our everyday lives.
I'm discovering more about the simple act of the prayer of quiet, of listening with your heart and centering in on Jesus, who is always present with you. It's quiet in that place with Him, where you bring your mind and heart into alignment with Jesus, that you learnt to rest, wait and listen.
To learn how to put Jesus at the centre, try this centering prayer of quiet which helps turn your attention towards Jesus.
Take a few moments or more to find a quiet, comfortable place and:
Settle down and let go of any thoughts, tensions and negative feelings you may carry. Allow yourself space to rest. God says, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
Focus - Sometimes, it's easier to keep our minds focused on Him if we have a word to say or a picture in our mind or in front of us to keep ourselves focused and surrendered to God's presence. When you become aware of other thoughts or feelings arising, take this as a prompt to return to that word or picture.
When thoughts subside, and you find yourself aware of God's presence, you can let go of saying the word/picture and sit quietly with Him. In the stillness, you'll get to know Him more and find healing, refreshing and restoration (If in the midst of this quiet, distracting thoughts or sensations start to stir, gently return to your chosen word to focus on God again).
At the end of this "prayer of quiet" (aim for 10 minutes, to begin with), you can "step back into the day" more aware of Jesus being at the centre of your world and give time to express your thanks to Him. Take the opportunity to pray for others and bring any needs or requests to Him.
It takes practice, but it's worth the effort, so I encourage you today to sit with Jesus and put Him in the centre of your thoughts, heart and day. You'll find His peace and rest are found there.
"Then God said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-13)
"But make His Kingdom and righteousness your chief aim, and then these things shall all be given you in addition." (Matthew 6:33 -Weyman New Testament)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with me and wanting to be part of every area of my life. You are not far off or distant but closer than the very air I breathe. Please help me to put you at the centre of my life and to take the time to discover you in the stillness. May I be more aware
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