Troubles of The Heart
(John 14:1-14)
“My Father’s house has many rooms…I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:2-3
Discussion Questions
Do you remember a time when fear shaped a decision? What was your fear?
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?” (verse 10) What do you think were the disciples’ fears when Jesus said these words to them?
Christ’s prescription for a troubled heart is for us to "believe in God; believe also in me" (verse 1). What does His statements in verses 2 to 3 and verses 9 to 11 reveal to us about God's character and trustworthiness?
Jesus continues to comfort his disciples with his promises in verses 12 to 14. Do these promises bring you comfort? Why or why not? Share any experiences you may have.
“You know the way to the place where I am going…I am the way and the truth and the life.” (verses 4, 6) What is Christ saying to you today about your fears?
Spiritual Practice : Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is a form of silent contemplative prayer from Christian tradition that joins scripture meditation with prayer.
Unlike Eastern meditation that attempts to clear the mind of all thoughts, centering prayer aims to sit in God’s presence and release all thoughts to him. This form of prayer relies on the awareness that the Holy Spirit resides in the one who prays, connecting them heart-to-heart with God.
Short Method for Centering Prayer
*Set aside 10 or 15 minutes (increase the time as you can). Set a timer
Settle into a comfortable position with your eyes closed and intentionally place yourself in the loving presence of God.
Choose a simple word, phrase or verse from Scripture that expresses your desire for God (e.g., love, peace, grace, Jesus, great Shepherd). Let this word guard your attention.
Introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within. Be with Jesus. Listen. Be still.
When distracted with your thoughts [including body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections], return ever so gently to the sacred word. *(see note)
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*Distracting thoughts are normal and can be hard to silence. Imagine that God’s river of life runs through you. Deep down, the river is calm and slow. But on the surface there is rushing and debris. Imagine your distracting thoughts are part of the debris floating in the current. Don’t try to capture these thoughts; release them and let the river of God’s life carry them away. Anytime you are distracted, imagine the distracting thoughts flowing away down the river. Gently return to the presence of Christ with your prayer word.
References:
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook (Calhoun, p. 236, IVP)
Center for Action and Contemplation article: Click Here