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.

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Today is July 12.

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 1st Samuel, chapter 3.  
 

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel.  
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 
  

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story? 
  
As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.  
  
The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.  
 
Music: To Know You - Vineyard Worship: TO KNOW YOU [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 


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 July 11.

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 26.  
 

      Vindicate me, LORD,  
         for I have led a blameless life;  
         I have trusted in the LORD  
         and have not faltered.  
      Test me, LORD, and try me,  
         examine my heart and my mind;  
      for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  
         and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.  
  

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?  
  
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.  
  
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.  
 
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: YOUR LOVE ENDURES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane 

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 July 10.

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 1st Samuel, chapter 1.  
 

Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 1In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  
As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”  “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.  
 

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Samuel, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Samuel’s response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?   
  
As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Samuel, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.  
  
I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.  
 
Music: I Am God - Vineyard Kids: I AM GOD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Kids 

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 July 9.
 
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 James, chapter 5.  
 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”  
 

Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?  
   
I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.  
   
James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (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

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Today is July 8.

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 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - 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 July 5.


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 Judges, chapter 16.  
 

Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.  
  

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?  
  
The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…  
  
Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.   
 
Music: Expectation - Vineyard Soul
EXPECTATION | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Soul feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 


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 July 4.

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 Acts, chapter 26.  


Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  
  

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life? 
  
Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.   
  
Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace. 
 
Music: Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship: Fall On Me (feat. Charlotte Naraine) (Live) 

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 July 3.
 
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 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  
  

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God? 
  
The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith? 
  
Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.  
 
Music: I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship: I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) (feat. Matt Turrigiano) (Live) 


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