The Daily Office

15Feb09

I was asked after Sunday’s sermon on silence and solitude what is the difference between a “quiet time” and what I had called a “daily office”.  Let me clarify. A quiet time or devotions, normally take place once a day, in the mornings, with the emphasis on “getting filled up for the day” or “praying for the needs around me.” The Daily Office normally takes place at least twice a day, and is not so much a turning to God to get something; it is about being with God; about communion with him.

The goal of the Daily Office, as with a “quiet time,” is to pay attention to God throughout the entire day while I am active. This is the great challenge for all of us. With the pressures of the world, and our own stubborn self-wills it can become easy to live most of our waking hours without any consistent awareness of God’s presence.

The word Office comes from the Latin word opus, or “work.” For the early church, the Daily Office was always the “work of God.” Nothing was to interfere with that priority.  Let me give you the format that I have been using for my Daily Office.

First, Silence and Centering. I stop my activity and pause to be with God. Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God.” I move into God’s presence and rest there; that alone is no small feat. I especially have to work hard during the midday time to get centered on God. For me I try to begin and end each Office with two minutes of silence.

Second, I read Scripture. The important thing to remember is “less is more.” I take a smaller passage or just a verse and read it slowly—aloud if possible—thinking about the different words or phrases. Be attentive to your heart to what God is doing inside of you.

Third, I will do a devotional reading. The devotional readings should help to stretch you. I have read classics from the puritans to contemporary pastors. Use a variety.

Fourth. I like to think about the questions that the devotions present or that the Holy Spirit puts into my mind.Finally, I pray. Sometimes I write my prayers other times I use ACTS.

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. I have learned to pray the Psalms which have been very helpful especially in seasons when I am dry.

The most important thing is for you to create a rhythm of stopping to be with God at set times each day in order to grow in your relationship with Him throughout the day.

Remember it’s not about doing it right; it’s about showing up and allowing Him to do His work in you.

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