Casting our Cares Upon God

(This is a continuation from last week with our journey through a prayer labyrinth)

We have entered into a time of contemplation and are making our way into the holy of holies.

Once we have turned off all the noise in our lives, we are ready to let go of the things that hinder our worship of God. What is it that you are worried about? What are the concerns that keep you awake at night? Jesus knows that it is in our nature to worry. We worry about our finances, our jobs, our families, our health. We are often consumed with fear about the future, but Jesus asks us to cast all our cares upon Him. 

As a visual exercise, imagine that you have a handful of rocks. Each rock represents one of the concerns in your life. Now, picture yourself standing next to a lake. Take each one of those concerns and toss them one by one into the lake. You can't get them back, they are out of your control. God has received them and He will be responsible for the outcome. 

Next, we are going to move closer to God by taking a piece of paper and writing down some of the hurtful things in your life. What hurtful things have been said to you? What hurtful things have you said to others? Write a word or draw a symbol to represent these hurts then decide if you want to continue carrying these with you. If not, then tear that paper into small pieces and throw them in the trash can. Just put them in God's hands.

Jesus said, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15.

There are a number of things that distract us from focusing on God. What distractions are you faced with? Busyness, work concerns, financial woes, health problems and family needs can keep us from spending time alone with God. Write down the distractions in your life keeping in mind this scripture:

“Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:1-2a

After you write your distractions then visualize yourself nailing those distractions on a cross. Jesus died to give us abundant life, we can't let anything get in the way of the life he offers.

It is now time to move into the Holy Place. This is a safe haven, a place where you can be yourself with God. He will meet with you here. Converse with him and use your Bible to let Him speak to you. Spend a few minutes in His presence, listening for His voice. Share your heart with Him and don't rush your time alone with Him. When our minds are clear of all distractions and our hearts are in tune with Him, He often reveals some work for us to do or He may just hold you closely - He desires this precious time alone with you.

When you are ready to begin the outward journey, light a candle and carry it with you. You are now ready to take your encounter with God into the world.

Next week we'll carry our candle into the world and discover ways to share our encounter with God.