Be Still: Daily Devotional

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is May 30

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me. 
  

As you come to prayer today remember that the Lord is with you. Even now, he knows you, and He is familiar with you. How does that truth make you feel right now? Is it comforting? Or on the other hand, does it make you feel nervous? 
   
You hem me in behind and before... picture a seam being sewn around you. God’s protective presence is not just near to you, it surrounds you. The picture is of a good father, His hand resting on his child’s shoulder, leading the child in right ways. Is there something happening in your life right now where you need the Lord’s guidance, or direction? Listen again to this beautiful scripture and consider His nearness to you. 
   
God is Almighty, Father, and Creator of everything that is. And this God knows you. Knows me. He knows the entirety of the cosmos, and at the same time, He is familiar with you. As we end our time of prayer today, you might want to talk to God about your sense of His presence with you. Talk to Him about areas you need Him to lean you in. Thank Him for his presence.
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 29.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 4.  

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” 
 
As you come to prayer today, which image feels more connective to you: a lamp, either hidden or on it’s lampstand. Or a measuring cup... being used by you, and then toward you? 
 
As you listen to the words of this text again, ask God to illuminate them with His spirit. Be attentive to the word or phrase that stands out to you. 
   
Jesus tells his listeners to ‘consider carefully what you hear.’ As we end our time of prayer, ask God to increase your understanding of scripture. As Him to stir up your gifts of discernment and wisdom when you read the Bible. And finally, ask Him to teach you how to ‘consider carefully’ his words to you.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 28.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 25.  
 

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 
 

Welcome to prayer today. As you enter into your time with the Lord, consider one small phrase from our OT text. God says “I will meet with you” to his people. Invite the Lord to draw near to you right now, to meet with you.  
   
The details of this text are so specific, but ultimately there is one general thing that it draws our attention to: the face that God was continually making ways to be present to His people. Think about your own spiritual story. Through what experiences, or people, or ministries, have you experienced the presence of God? 
   
In the New Covenant of the new testament, we have access to God through grace in Christ Jesus. As you end your time of prayer, thank God for drawing near to you when you could not draw near to Him. Offer prayers of gratitude to the Lord today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "King Of Heaven" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 27th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 4.  


After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  
“ ‘Holy, holy, holy  
is the Lord God Almighty,’  
who was, and is, and is to come. 
 

As we come to prayer this morning, consider what it means that you are joining in with a heavenly choir – an unimaginable chorus of worship for the uncreated creator. Take some time to allow yourself to adjust to that mystery and truth. 
   
Listen again to these words from Revelation and allow them to move your awareness of God from the incarnational – the close by – to the transcendent – the almighty...  
 
He was, and is, and is to come. God is your security. He is before all things, in all things, and beyond all things. As you come to the end of prayer today, spend some time meditating on the omnipotence of God. Ask God to increase your understanding and experience of His power.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 26

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for you.

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 22

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message Version

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

As you enter into prayer today, are any ‘wants’ tyrannizing you? Tyrannizing is a strong word. How do you feel, thinking about suffering as a way of learning that you can’t always get what you want?
The lesson Peter offers us isn’t as hars as it might sound. There is freedom, he says, in learning to let go, learning to offer our desires to God, learning to not be controlled by our desires as much as we usually are. Listen again for the exchange Peter is talking about: freedom, in place of tyranny.

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

Do you ever find it hard to understand what God wants for you? We usually know what we want for ourselves... but today - as we end our time of prayer, take some time to invite God to speak into what He wants for you. Take time to be quiet, and just listen for His voice.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is May 21.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit."

Today's reading is from the Book of Luke, Chapter 10.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher he asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul, all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

Take a few minutes as we begin to get connected with how you're doing right now. How are you feeling? What things are preoccupying your thoughts? How's your soul?

The expert asked Jesus a question in this story, but it feels a little more like he was trying to give him an exam. Jesus's answer, though pointed not to rituals or achievements or right answers, but to love. A wholehearted, all-encompassing love for God and a genuine compassionate love for others. Think about it this way. This religious guy tried to give Jesus a religious test, and Jesus answered it with a command to love.

Listen to the passage again and wonder a bit about what the teacher of the law might have experienced in this exchange.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.
What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

The essence of God's law is relational. This law is love that flows to us from God and then outward from us towards others. What might it mean for you to think about love as a law to follow? Just like the speed limit is a law to follow? What would it mean for your actions to be constrained by love, marked by love and aimed toward love? Is there any person in your life who you find it difficult to relate to in a loving way? Ask God to help you grow in your capacity to follow this law of love by His grace.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Observe me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa