Join us tomorrow as we continue the Holy Habits sermon series. Tomorrow, special guest Dr. Gary Oliver will be teaching about the disciplines of Prayer & Meditation.

Dr. Oliver is a father, university and seminary professor, psychologist, author, Exec. Dir. of the Center for Healthy Relationships and Professor of Psychology & Practical Theology at JBU. Dr. Oliver has over 30 years experience in individual, premarital, marital and family counseling. In addition to his clinical experience, he has over ten years experience serving on the staff of churches in CA, NE and CO. He has authored or co-authored over 20 books and travels both nationally and internationally providing his Emotional & Relational Intelligence workshops, Marriage Enrichment Seminars as well as seminars and workshops on a variety of relationship-related topics.

In the morning:

Spend 30 minutes using one of the Bible reading methods from last week on Luke 15:11-32. WhatWhat’s God saying in this parable of confession and forgiveness?

At noon:

Spend 5-15 minutes in solitude and silence, enjoying the presence of God.

In the evening:

Spend 15-20 minutes doing the Examen of Consciousness, Conscience, & Confession.

• Preparation. Spend a few moments in silence, allowing yourself to be still and know how much God loves you. Hear God say to you, “I have loved you with an everlasting love…”
• Invitation. Invite God to go with you in your search for evidence of his presence throughout your day an in your search for self-knowledge.
• Review the day. Identify the major events of the day, including spiritual practices, meals, appointments, interactions with others, etc. Where was God loving you, speaking to you, guiding you or showing you something new about himself?
• Give thanks. Thank God for each part of your day and his presence with you in midst of it. Allow yourself to experience gratitude for God’s presence with you even in places that feel dark and confusing.
• Confess. Invite God to bring to mind attitudes, actions or moments where you fell short of exhibiting the character of Christ or the fruit of the Spirit. Reflect on what contributed to the situation and what might enable you to respond differently in the future.
• Ask forgiveness. …and also express your willingness to take any concrete steps needed to allow Christ’s character to be more fully formed in you. Be assured of God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and his power to continue leading you into the transformation you desire. Ask God if there is anything you need to do to make things right relative to the situation you have confessed.