en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/634265 Comments by Elaine_Johnson http://woodcreekchurch.com/transformation/prayer/#IDComment57483551 Thanks to Mark for such an encouraging teaching on prayer. God has lead me to quiet time (prayer plus Bible study) starting about 15 years ago, first sporadically, and now most every day. This quiet time with God just keeps getting better and better! It's pretty much something I am compelled to do to get my day started off on a positive note. I've been using Lectio Divina (Message from God). I'd describe it as a combination of the elements of the ACTS format , plus journaling, finding a personal message in scripture, & meditation. It takes about 30 minutes. Just journal a few words under each of 7 headings. (Would be happy to email a copy to anyone who wants it.) The Lectio format helped me understand how to use scripture to hear God's personal message for that day. I just really think that combining prayer and scripture is essential, and that listening for what God is saying to me personally is just as important as talking to Him. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:22:55 +0000 http://woodcreekchurch.com/transformation/prayer/#IDComment57483551 http://woodcreekchallenge.com/home/silent-acts-of-service-challenge/#IDComment31037152 I picked the thing that's hardest for me to do. It's a mystery to me why encouragement and service don't go together naturally, but for me they usually don't. I'll be offering words of encouragement and wanting to help, but clueless what needs doing, and someone else comes along and does what I wish I'd thought of! The first thing I learned about service today is this: I am actually experiencing joy as I look for ways to serve! I did my daughter's share of dishes with joy in my heart! What a small thing--and a big joy boost! Where the joy is coming from is God's mystery, but I can't wait to see what happens next! Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:53:44 +0000 http://woodcreekchallenge.com/home/silent-acts-of-service-challenge/#IDComment31037152