Description
Are you a new Christian who wants to learn how to read the Bible and hear God’s voice? Or are you a more experienced Christian who struggles with meeting God in the pages of Scripture because your head is more engaged than your heart or your hands? Do you long for true intimacy with God, for the sense that God is speaking directly to you through his Word? If so, then this book might be for you. And you’re in good company.
Meeting God in the Bible through the devotional practices of Quiet Time, Spiritual Journaling, and Lectio Divina is explored almost entirely through story—an extended story of a long-term discipleship process between a pastor’s wife and a new Christian. Other Spiritual Formation practices encountered in the story include prayer, spiritual testimony, overcoming temptation, Scripture memorization, discipleship, and biblical interpretation. God has made us for himself, and this book invites you to deepen your journey toward the intimate communion with God that you were created for.
Table of Contents
Foreword, by Fernando Ortega
How to Use This Book
Introduction: Encountering God in a Quiet Time
Chapter 1 Reading Scripture Devotionally
Chapter 2 Victoria’s First Quiet Time
Chapter 3 Sharon’s Story
Chapter 4 Sharon’s Quiet Time
Chapter 5 Bible Translations and the ACTS Prayer
Chapter 6 Victoria’s Quiet Time Using an ACTS Prayer
Chapter 7 Bible Reading Plans
Chapter 8 Memorizing Scripture
Chapter 9 Spiritual Journaling
Chapter 10 Finalizing the Memorization Process
Chapter 11 A Quiet Time in Crisis
Chapter 12 Praying Without Ceasing and the Jesus Prayer
Chapter 13 Teaching Lectio Divina
Chapter 14 Practicing Lectio Divina: Prepare and Read
Chapter 15 Practicing Lectio Divina: Reflect
Chapter 16 Practicing Lectio Divina: Respond, Rest, Act
Chapter 17 Short Version of Lectio Divina from Psalm 19
Chapter 18 Biblical Interpretation: How to Discern God’s Voice
Conclusion: Putting Encounter into Practice
Appendix 1: Topic Summaries
Appendix 2: Telling the New Old Story: Toward a Biblical Theology of Story
Endorsements
“…reads like a rich and lively conversation with a wise spiritual mentor.”
Joshua Swanson (DMin), Lead Pastor of Christ Church Sierra Madre, CA
“…a very practical guide for one on one discipleship using the Word of God….This is a very helpful tool for Quiet Times and Bible based discipleship.”
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Mark Zimmerman, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest
“…a fun, engaging, and practical guide for how to grow in your relationship with Jesus….a wonderful discipleship tool for new and seasoned believers alike.”
Chad Francis, Lead Pastor of Hope Church, Albuquerque, NM
“…leads gently into a path of prayerfully reading Scripture as a meaningful and motivating encounter with the living God while being in the midst of our busy and distracting lives.”
The Rt. Rev. Win Mott, retired bishop in the Anglican Church in North America
“…realistic, warm, and approachable.”
Rev. Peter H. Davids (PhD), New Testament Editor, Word Biblical Commentary
Bulk Orders
Bulk quantities of 20 copies or more can be ordered for $10 each plus tax and shipping. E-mail todd@fontespress.com with your request, shipping information, and billing information.
Reviews
“A Unique Take on a Common Theme,” by Fr. Isaac J. Rehberg
Related
“Story: The New Way to Teach Spiritual Disciplines,” by John Linebarger, on Exegetical Tools.
“The Daily Office is Not Enough: The Importance of Reading Scripture Devotionally,” by John Linebarger, on AnglicanPastor.com
“Meeting God in the Bible: Devotions and Academics,” a podcast interview with John Linebarger, on Tool Talk by Exegetical Tools.
Using the ACTS Model to Enrich Your Prayer Life, by Todd Scacewater
