SPIRITUAL MUSINGS: How to Spend Ten Minutes with God

How to Spend Ten Minutes with God
Having TEA with God
By Paul Smith


Jesus had a close relationship with his Abba God. Following Jesus began as an experience of also connecting deeply with that God. That was the religion of Jesus.

This changed as the institutional church took over and Christianity became something you believed in with the emphasis on creeds, dogmas, doctrines, rules, and regulations. Christianity became a religion about Jesus instead of the religion of Jesus.

The religion of Jesus began with his deep prayer life, which revealed an intimate relationship with God and spiritual realities such as spiritual guides, angels, and divine guidance. This led to his ministry of compassion and care for the oppressed and vulnerable.

Most Christians agree that praying is important. However, it is also a challenge. How do we do it? Why is it so difficult at times? What is prayer for us today? Here is how I understand it.

Jesus said, “Whenever you pray, go into your closet and shut the door. (Matt. 6:5)

First, going into your closet begins with getting away from outer distractions. Jesus went away from the crowds and into deserted places. Sometimes he climbed mountains. He really got away. We can turn off the TV and phone, and sit comfortably and alert where we will not be interrupted.

Second, mystics throughout the centuries have also seen the reference to “your closet” as meaning the inside of you. This means getting away from inner distractions. Prayer is an interior experience.

Some describe it as sinking down into the quiet and peaceful bottom of a lake. You can breathe and feel comfortable. When we find boats and other objects floating above us on the surface, figuratively speaking, we will be tempted to move back up and explore them. These are the distracting thoughts that always come to our minds such as work, people, and things to do.
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It can be very helpful to ask God for a centering word to use at these times that can bring us back down to our quiet self. The word may be peace, Jesus, Spirit, or any word that helps you reconnect with the center of your being.

1. Talking to God
A good way to begin your ten minutes of prayer is by telling God how you feel and what you want. Talk to God about wherever you are and what you want. Saying what you want from this prayer time focuses your intention and helps you be receptive. You may also first read or reflect to begin this time. Then tell
God what you are wanting.

2. Engaging God
Next we become conscious of the Spirit’s response to what we are wanting. Become aware of seeing images in your imagination, hearing words in your mind, sensations in your body, or an inner sense or knowing. During this time wandering thoughts may also come. Use your centering word to help you return to your inner awareness. Letting go of distractions allows us to hear the Spirit’s thoughts.

3. Abiding in God
Jesus said, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:4, 9) In abiding, we sink down deeply into God’s presence. We let all words, images, and sensations pass. We are simply quiet and still. When nothing is left of our ego and outward forms, all that is left is God. Eastern meditative traditions often call this “emptiness” since it is empty of ego and forms. Christians often call it “fullness” since we understand this as experiencing God’s presence. This is where we experience our deepest self as the divine light of the world, just as Jesus said we are. This is where we can, as the Psalmist said, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10) We may take the “I’ there to mean not only the Infinite and Intimate Faces of God but also our own Inner Face of God

I have outlined three levels of praying, with each level becoming progressively deeper. They are

Talk
Engage
Abide

Now you are ready to have TEA with God!