03.16.22 | Surrendering Stress
During today’s time of fasting and prayer, we will be using our FAST movement to guide us through Psalm 23:2-3, focusing on surrendering stress.
Psalm 23:2-3:
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside still waters,
He refreshes my soul.
As you go through the movements of FAST, be mindful of the connections between the verses of Psalm 23 and the stress in your life that the Holy Spirit is making within you.
First, Focus: Find a quiet place to settle your mind and open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Second, Adoration: Spend time honoring and exalting God, tell him what you appreciate about him. Contemplate on who he is and what he has done.
Third, Speak: Commune with God, taking moments to both speak to him about what’s on your heart and to pause and listen for his voice. Use journals to write down what you hear. In an effort to truly understand what Jesus wants to communicate to you, ask questions like:
- How does my soul feel stressed and stretched?
- Where do I need refreshment?
- What does God have to say to my soul?
Listen and note any words or impressions.
Fourth, Transform: Commit to taking active steps to change or address what the Lord revealed during your time of fasting. In response to what came up as you spoke with and listened to God, think of a specific transformative action.
Here are some suggestions, but feel free to create your own based on your time with God. We will have opportunities to give an account of your experience in practicing these each week.
- Take two 2-minute breaks each day to visualize being with God beside still waters. Ask him how he wants to refresh your soul.
- Set aside 30 minutes this week to prayerfully list specific stressors in your life. Ask God to make clear which he has entrusted to you and which he does not want you to carry.
- Devote 10 minutes to silent stillness at the beginning of each day.
- Design your own practice. Make it practical, prayerful, and helpful for surrendering stress.