The Upper Room 9 October 2023, Monday
The Upper Room 9 October 2023 Devotional, Monday Message by Diana Clark (Rhode Island, USA)
TOPIC: Conversations with God
TODAY’S READING
1 Samuel 3:1-10
The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel, Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)
I remember my dad telling me about the frustration he felt when he battled interrupted sleep as an older adult. I must confess that as a young adult, I didn’t fully understand my father’s feelings. I remembered his struggle, however, when recently I started experiencing the same problem.
It took me a while before I learned to accept this interruption by using the quiet time to listen for God’s voice in my life. Inspired by two church handouts on prayer, I began to pray and respond each night by writing in a prayer journal. What had begun as an inconvenience had suddenly been transformed into a cherished time with my heavenly Father.
Over the last year or two, these quiet times with God have given me direction when facing challenges in relationships with neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family members. These “interruptions” have also helped me to pray about problems or for the needs of others in my church and to give thanks for all that I have been given. Almost always, I return to bed content and at peace.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the quiet times we have to listen for your guidance and direction. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Quiet time with God is a gift.
PRAYER FOCUS
To view challenges as opportunities
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