At the end of most posts here I will invite you to Think-Pray-Pause.
This section will contain a Scripture to read and the following text:
Read the Scripture then think about it, use it to pray, and pause to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say. Do this in any order or configuration you like.
I have kept this meditation prompt short because I appreciate that as parents we do not always have extended uninterrupted blocks of time to reflect. I also want each to be memorable and portable so you can carry the reflection prompt with you throughout your day and engage with it as opportunities arise. When we focus on the things of God, we identify with what Jesus has done for us through His life, death and resurrection (see Colossians 3:1-3). This transforms us and helps us increasingly see things from a heavenly perspective.
Meditate on the Word of God using Think-Pray-Pause
The words Think-Pray-Pause are in a circle because reflection and meditation are ongoing processes. You are invited to start at whichever point you wish and move through the three stages in whatever order suits you. You do not have to Think about the Scripture first. You can start with the Pause, perhaps taking a few deep slow breaths with closed eyes if circumstances allow. This can be an opportunity to see where the Holy Spirit leads your thoughts concerning what you have read. Alternatively, having just read the post and the verse, you could start by thinking about it - considering what stood out to you and why. You could also begin with Pray; asking the Holy Spirit to direct you or by praying through the Scripture or about the content of the post. You can do this for as long as you like and can of course apply this technique to other encounters with the Word of God.
I hope you take the opportunity to meditate on the Word of God using Think-Pray-Pause and do not read and run. I know I have been inspired by things I have read and then forgotten much of the content by the end of the day, especially when I have been sleep-deprived or busy. Meditating on the Word of God makes this much less likely to happen.
Here are some Scriptures about meditating on the Word of God which I hope you will find encouraging:
Scriptures about Meditating on the Word of God
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! - Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. -Colossians 3:2 NLT
Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. - Colossians 4:2 NLT
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. -Psalm 62:5 NLT
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14 ESV
Study the Book of Instruction continually, Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. - Joshua 1:8 NLT
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. - Philippians 4:6 NLT
Think-Pray-Pause
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! - Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Read the Scripture then think about it, use it to pray, and pause to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say. Do this in any order or configuration you like.
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