This is a time for us to come together and share the experience from this week whether it was a week of highs and surprise with the Lord or a week of deeper question and longing. We’re meeting together for the encouragement to come to the table with Jesus again tomorrow on your own. We will share, pray on behalf of one another, and do a creative listening, practice together. @Kristen Lukes @Jennifer Flores Flores @Alecia Meissner who is planning on coming ?

I get that this practice might feel very different from how we approach scripture in Bible study. But there's a reason for that. Bible study that includes word searches, original texts, context historically, and author's intent are SO helpful in the LEFT brain approach to knowing about God. BUT, God made us with the RIGHT side of the brain too - the irrational, creative, imaginative, and non-linear side that is able to know God. (know as in experience, feel, sense, and hear) What was your experience like interacting with scripture, with God's voice, through your imaginative story-sided brain? Where did you find yourself in the story? IF YOUR STRUGGLING IDENTIFYING WHAT YOU'RE AFRAID OF: I get it's tough. And actually, fear is one of the hardest emotions to identify honestly. So think about moments of anxiety, worry, a hypercontroling state, you've found yourself in. All of these emotions point toward a deeper lying fear. They're a boat that's on top of the ocean of fear rolling under it. To find the hidden fear, ask, "Why" over and over again. Why did I feel anxious when so-and-so didn't show up? Why was I worried this morning leaving my house? Why did I turn into Super Control Mode? And then when you've answered, ask why again. You might be surprised how many layers are uncovered. This kind of conversation back and forth when sought after in prayer IS partnership with the Spirit's guidance. And if answering these questions feels impossible, ask him to reveal the answer to you through a passage of scripture coming to mind. I can't wait to hear about your time with God, and your own thoughts and feelings. I'm praying for your encounter with him.

This practice asked us to think back over the week and ask God to reveal a memory that he wants us to do something with. Now, God might be inviting you into an action with this memory/moment/person/opportunity, but he also might want to draw near to you in love, healing, or truth. What memory came up for you today, and what was God’s invitation to you through it?

As you read the reflection from today’s prayer practice below, share your own experience, hangups, or actions for today in a comment below. Today started with picturing a table and Jesus approaching you there, sitting with you. Then, slowing down and breathing, noticing how your body felt when doing so, and discovering a main emotion rising up or hiding under the surface. You were invited to surrender the feeling through an action and then to simply sit with Jesus again, telling him about this emotion. Some of the prompts through the prayer were What are you carrying? How are you carrying it? What does the emotion you feel take the shape of? Pick an action to do with this emotion And finally, the question Am I Willing? Did one of the prompts stand out more than others? As you identify your honest answer to this question - yes, no, maybe, not sure….. Perhaps go deeper by asking- Am I Willing TODAY? However you answered this question, move forward with it today. Maybe that means saying yes to something instead of no, for today, or adding time to your schedule to listen and slow down, instead of completing another task. Wherever you fall in the answer to being willing, you have the agency to move forward with it. And you’re not alone in that either! We’re here, all identifying the same invitation and taking a step of faith.

In the hope of getting to know each other a little, use this post in the comments below to share your answer to this question: Describe your day to day thoughts and emotions using a book or chapter title. For example, mines was 'Death by a Thousand Cuts: A Survivalists Guide to raising kids and not loosing your ind, your heart, or your pone in the process.' Why a fun and insightful question?? Because stepping out in faith is best experienced together. Seeking God alone will definitely bring an encounter in your life with Jesus. But seeking God with other people who are there to hear about your experience when you DO encounter Him, makes the experience so much more real, deep, and affirmed. This week, as we draw near to God together, share your experience each day in the 'Daily Post' by commenting or posting a video response. You'll deepen your personal reflection and receive energizing encouragement as you share and realize we're here to hear your story!