CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

HOW TO EXPERIENCE INTIMATE COMMUNION WITH GOD By Derek J. Morris MorrisD@gc.adventist.org I. INTRODUCTION A. Methodology The purpose of this study is to help you in your journey toward experiencing intimate communion with God. Our goal is not simply the conveying of information but life transformation. We will explore how to set the Lord ever before us (Psalm 16:8) and experience fullness of joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11). In order to maximize the learning experience, this study will include three components: 1. Information 2. Experience 3. Reflection It would be helpful if you formed a learning group with others who want to experience intimate communion with God. You can share insights together and learn from each other. B. Reflection on my present spiritual condition 1. Where am I now? a. Draw a line graph showing your spiritual journey up to the present time.

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b. Write a brief explanation of the graph, noting key events and experiences that have been a significant influence on your spiritual journey. These may be both positive and negative.

2. List factors that were a positive influence in past spiritual growth that might also help in the future. Reflect on what you have written below and if possible share these insights with your learning group or with a Christian friend.

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II. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY? A. Definition 1. Develop a concise definition of Christian spirituality. You can work on this assignment by yourself or with your learning group. 2. Write your definition in the space below.

3. Share this definition of Christian spirituality with others. Listen to their feedback. Take notes.

B. Where do we begin in our journey toward a more intimate experience with God? 1. Recognize your spiritual poverty. a. Romans 3:23 b. Isaiah 6:5 c. Matthew 5:3

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d. If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better.There is help for us only in God.We can do nothing of ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are.1 2. Accept the grace of God revealed through Christ, die to yourself and experience the new birth. a. John 3:1-17 b. Ephesians 2:1-10 c. Galatians 2:20 d. Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission.2 e. You cannot atone for your past sins, you cannot change your heart, and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ.3 3. Open your life on a daily basis to a deepening relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. a. 2 Peter 3:18 b. Jeremiah 29:11-14 c. Psalm 143:8 d. John 17:3 e. Philippians 3:8-14 f. In this study we will examine four ways that you can open your life to a deepening relationship with God: prayer, fasting, meditation on the Word and works of God, and study.

Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, 31. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 171. 3 Ibid, 51.
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III. PRAYER Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.4 A. Lord, teach us to pray 1. Consider the following passages of Scripture: a. Luke 11:1-4 b. Matthew 6:5-13 2. What lessons can we learn about prayer from these passages of Scripture? Make notes in the space below.

B. The Importance of Prayer 1. Lessons from the Life of Jesus a. Mark 1:35 b. Luke 5:15-16 c. Luke 6:12 d. Luke 11:1 e. Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among me, was often in prayer.His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.5

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Steps to Christ, 93. Ibid, 93-94. 5

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f. No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer.6 2. Strength for the conflict a. Ephesians 6:10-18 b. Satan is enraged at the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss.7 c. Satan leads many to believe that prayer to God is useless and but a form. He well knows how needful are meditation and prayer to keep Christ's followers aroused to resist his cunning and deception.8 d. Satan knows better than God's people the power that they can have over him when their strength is in Christ. When they humbly entreat the mighty Conqueror for help, the weakest believer in the truth, relying firmly upon Christ, can successfully repulse Satan and all his host.9 C. Why dont we pray more? 1. We have become preoccupied with concerns of secondary importance. a. Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind.10 b. Meet with your learning group. Read and discuss Luke 10:38-42. What devices is Satan using to engross your mind and keep you from prayer? Make notes in the space below.

The Desire of Ages, 362. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 1:295. 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid, 341. 10 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, 519.
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2. We were never taught how to pray. a. Our past experience and education did not prepare us to be men and women of prayer. Notice the emphasis at the schools of the prophets: i. A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were the students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him and how to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit.11 ii. The instructors were not only versed in divine truth, but had themselves enjoyed communion with God, and had received the special endowment of His Spirit. They had the respect and confidence of the people, both for learning and for piety.12 D. In search of a model for prayer 1. The Lords Prayer One possible model for us in learning how to pray is the Lords prayer. Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples in response to their request, Lord, teach us to pray. 2. The Sanctuary Prayer The earthly sanctuary portrays Gods plan of redemption, bringing sinners back into the presence of a holy God. The sanctuary also serves as a wonderful model for prayer. 3. Encountering God in Prayer Juanita Kretschmar developed this model for prayer in her work with New York City Van Ministry. It provides tremendous opportunity for personal healing and restoration. 4. Putting on the Whole Armor of God While putting on the whole armor of God can be included in the Lords Prayer (deliver us) and the Sanctuary Prayer (strength for the day at the Table of Shewbread), there are times when you might want to specifically offer a prayer for physical and spiritual protection.13

Ellen G. White, Education, 47. Ibid, 46. 13 For more information about the armor of God, visit www.radicalprotection.com.
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THE LORDS PRAYER -a model for prayer FOCUS ON GOD: Our Father in heaven Hallowed be Your name Praise God for His character Praise God for His works Your kingdom come (acceptance of Christ as Savior, Lord and coming King) In my own life Intercede for the salvation of others Family Friends Church Country World Your will be done In my own life Intercede for others PRESENT OUR NEEDS Give us Present our specific physical needs (daily bread) before the Lord Present other needs before the Lordemotional, relational, etc. Claim His promises to provide Forgive us Confess specific personal sins Confess sins of family Confess sins of church Confess sins of community Claim promises of forgiveness, cleansing, and healing Deliver us Accept the power from God through the anointing of the Holy Spirit Put on the whole armor of God Conclude by giving praise and glory to God: Yours in the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

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THE SANCTUARY -a model for prayer

5 7 6 4 3 2 1

KEY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Enter with praisePsalm 100; Luke 10:21. Confession1 John 1:8-9; Romans 10:9; 2 Timothy 2:19. Washing through the Word/Listen to GodEphesians 5:25-26; John 17:17. Baptism of the Holy SpiritLuke 11:13; Galatians 5:22-25. Strength for the dayJohn 6:32-33; Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 6:10-18. IntercessionPhilippians 1:3-4; Romans 1:9-10. Experience intimate communionPsalm 16:8, 11.

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ENCOUNTERING GOD IN PRAYER -a model for prayer by Juanita Kretschmar 1. Ask the Father for the covering of the Holy Spirit bringing the presence of Jesus. Claim the blood of Jesus over all sin. Ask for angels to guard you, since He has promised. Ask Him to make sure that no other influences or thoughts will be allowed to disturb, that He will protect. Worship the Creator, Redeemer, King, etc. Invite Him to search your life for a revelation of hidden sin. Allow Him to take you back to childhood if necessary. Take time to be attentive and listen. As conviction comes to your mind of thoughts, acts, cherished "rights" such as anger, rebellion and resentment, or experiences that in the presence of the cross are sin, be specific, call it sin, and ask for forgiveness. Accept forgiveness and thank Him aloud. (Your ears need to hear your own voice expressing confidence and praise.) Ask for a deeper repentance. Since it is a gift, thank Him, whether you feel anything or not. By your own free choice, tell your Heavenly Father you give Him permission to remove the sin and sense of guilt or condemnation that came with the sin. Let God know you are willing to allow Him to place the burden you have been carrying on the shoulders of His Son. Accept Jesus' desire to release you from this guilt. Christ wants to do this for you. Be sure to express thanks aloud. Ask God what He has for you in exchange. What characteristic of Jesus is He waiting to give you? What gift of guidance or insight is He making available? Take time to be attentive and listen. Let God know you will accept that gift (whatever thought, word, or picture He brings to your mind). Be sure to thank Him aloud. Repeat the process as desired. Enjoy His presence. Praise Him. At the time you are accepting gifts from God, if He has just impressed you of specific instances of sin, you may want to ask what help He would have sent if you had turned to Him fully in that earlier moment of temptation. Or you may ask what Jesus would have done in your place. He may give you delightful insights.

2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

7.

8. 9. 10.

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11.

You may want to ask Him at the final moments of this specific prayer if there is anything or anyone else He wants you to pray about or for, or if there is any particular instruction He wants to share with you, etc. Take time to be attentive and listen. Be sure to praise Him aloud as you end the time of prayer. You'll want to. He's a wonderful God, and a marvelous, generous, loving Friend.

12.

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THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD -a model for prayer "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God." Scripture meditation: Ephesians 6:10-18. How to: As a special time of prayer for physical and spiritual protection, make a conscious decision to put on the whole armor of God: Father, I want to put on the whole armor of God The Belt of Truth The Breastplate of Righteousness Put on my feet the Gospel of Peace Take up the Shield of Faith with which I can extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one Put on my head the Helmet of Salvation And take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God Now go forward in the strength of the Lord, and remember the counsel of Scripture that follows: "Pray in the Spirit at all times." Remember these encouraging words: Those who will put on the whole armor of God and devote some time every day to meditation and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influence upon those around them. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty to God, will be theirs....They will feel that heaven's glories are for them, and they will become refined, elevated, ennobled by this intimate acquaintance with God.14 Extra passages for meditation: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 & Romans 13:12-14.

14Testimonies

for the Church, 5:112-113. 12

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IV. FASTING A. Types of fast 1. Health fast 2. Hunger strike 3. Biblical fast a. Normal fast i. No food but free use of water ii. Luke 4:1-2 iii. The fasting which the word of God enjoins is something more than a form. It does not consist merely in refusing food, in wearing sackcloth, in sprinkling ashes upon the head. He who fasts in real sorrow for sin will never court display. The object of the fast which God calls upon us to keep is not to afflict the body for the sin of the soul, but to aid us in perceiving the grievous character of sin, in humbling the heart before God and receiving His pardoning grace.15 iv. For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.16 v. The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit which yields mind, heart and will to God.17 b. Partial fast i. Limited amount of simple food ii. Daniel 10:3 iii. Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. Entire abstinence from food may not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most simple food.18 iv. The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 87. Ellen G. White, Counsels of Diet and Foods, 187-188. 17 Ibid, 189. 18 Ibid, 188-189.
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which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink of temporal food and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience.19 c. Absolute fast i. No food and no water ii. Esther 4:16 iii. Acts 9:9 iv. All the fasting in the world will not take the place of simple trust in the word of God.20 d. Supernatural fast i. No food or water with increased vitality ii. Deuteronomy 9:9 iii. You are not called upon to fast forty days. The Lord bore that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation. There would be no virtue in such a fast; but there is virtue in the blood of Christ.21 B. What Jesus taught about fasting 1. Study the following passages of Scripture: a. Matthew 6:16-18 b. Matthew 9:14-15 2. What do you learn about fasting from the teachings of Jesus? Make notes in the space below.

Counsels on Diets and Foods, 188. Ibid. 21 Ibid.

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C. The purpose of a biblical fast 1. It helps you to focus your attention upon God. 2. It calls you to prayer. 3. It exposes those things that control you. D. Practical suggestions for a biblical fast 1. Begin with a 24-hour partial fast. 2. Eat sparingly of the simplest food. 3. Drink plenty of water. 4. You may also want to fast from other distractions like various forms of media: television, Internet, etc. 5. Spend extra time in prayer during your fast. 6. Focus your attention on the Word of God, taking time for Bible reading and meditation. 7. Do not advertise your fast to others. Such an attitude robs you of the special blessing God desires to bestow during this time. 8. Consider setting aside a day each week for such a time of fasting and prayer. 9. God may impress you to take times in a normal fast, with no food but plenty of water. Realize that you need to severely limit your activities during such a fast. You should consult your physician if you suspect that such a fast might pose a health hazard. 10. Do not be extreme. There is no added blessing simply because a fast in longer or more restrictive. E. Share your own experiences with fasting with a Christian friend or with your learning group. What lessons has God taught you?

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V. MEDITATION ON THE WORD AND WORKS OF GOD Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 A. Meditation in the Scriptures 1. Meditate on the Law of God a. Joshua 1:8 b. Psalm 1:2 c. Psalm 119:15 d. Psalm 119:23-24 e. Psalm 119:148 f. Merely to hear or to read the word in not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles.22 g. Meditation...will open to the student treasures of which he has never dreamed. He will prove in his own life the reality of the experience described in the Scripture: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." Jeremiah 15:16.23 2. Meditate on Gods works a. Psalm 143:5 b. Psalm 145:5-7 c. Psalm 19:1 d. The beauties of nature are a theme for contemplation. In studying the natural loveliness surrounding us, the mind is carried up through nature to the Author of all that is lovely. All the works of God are speaking to our senses, magnifying His power, exalting His wisdom.24 e. God calls upon His creatures to turn their attention from the confusion and perplexity around them, and admire His handiwork. The heavenly bodies are worthy of contemplation. God has made them for the benefit of man,

Ellen G. White, Christs Object Lessons, 59-60. Education, 252. 24 Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, 110.
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and as we study His works, angels of God will be by our side to enlighten our minds.25 3. Meditate on God Himself, especially in the Person of Jesus a. Psalm 63:6-8 b. John 14:9-11 c. Hebrews 1:1-4 d. God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scripture.26 e. Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible.27 f. It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.28 g. Let us in imagination go back to that scene, (the sermon on the mount) and, as we sit with the disciples on the mountainside, enter into the thoughts and feelings that filled their hearts. Understanding what the words of Jesus meant to those who heard them, we may discern in them a new vividness and beauty, and may also gather for ourselves their deeper lessons.29 h. As we receive the bread and the wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Ibid. Christs Object Lessons, 60. 27 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, 514. 28 The Desire of Ages, 83. 29 Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 1.
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i. j.

Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us. Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.30 What a theme for meditation is the sacrifice that Jesus made for lost sinners.31 As we meditate upon the perfections of the Savior, we shall desire to be wholly transformed and renewed in the image of His purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like Him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him to others and represent Him to the world.32

B. The importance of Christian meditation 1. Abstract meditation is not enough, busy action is not enough; both are essential to the formation of Christian character.33 2. Meditation and prayer would keep us from rushing unbidden into the way of danger, and thus we should be saved from many a defeat.34 3. There is too much talking by nearly all, and too little meditation and prayer....Meditation and prayer are necessary to a growth in grace.35

Ibid, 661. Testimonies for the Church, 5:316. 32 Steps to Christ, 89. 33 Testimonies for the Church, 5:113. 34 The Desire of Ages, 126. 35 Testimonies for the Church, 2:187.
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C. A Definition of Christian Meditation 1. Based on the material that you have just studied, develop a concise definition of Christian meditation. Write your definition below.

2. How does your definition of Christian meditation help you to identify false forms of meditation that emphasize an emptying of the mind?

D. Taking time for Christian mediation 1. Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Jesus often meditated out in nature. 2. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you and fill your life with the presence of Jesus. 3. Read the passage of Scripture that you have chosen for your time of Christian meditation. Read it slowly and carefully, allowing your imagination to grasp the scene. Be open to what God wants to teach you. 4. After your time of Christian meditation, write down your experiences and the lessons that God has taught you. Think of ways to apply the lessons you have learned to your life. E. Suggested passages for Christian meditation 1. Jesus on the cross Luke 23:33-46 2. Jesus and the stormLuke 8:22-25 3. Jesus at the home of Martha and MaryLuke 10:38-42 4. Jesus passing through JerichoMark 10:46-52 5. Jesus blessing the childrenMark 10:13-16

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VI. STUDY A. Study of the Word of God 1. Acts 17:11 2. 2 Timothy 2:15 3. There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times.36 4. We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scriptures teach, but should study the words of God for ourselves.37 5. The word of the living God is not merely written, but spoken. The Bible is God's voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we could hear it with our ears. If we realize this, with what awe would we open God's word, and with what earnestness would we search its precepts! The reading and contemplation of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Infinite One.38 6. Those who read and study with an earnest desire for divine light...will soon discover in the Scriptures a beauty and harmony which will captivate their attention, elevate their thoughts, and give them an inspiration and an energy of argument that will be powerful to convict and convert souls.39 7. The student of the Bible should be taught to approach it in the spirit of a learner. We are to search its pages, not for proof to sustain our opinions, but in order to know what God says.40 B. Study of the Works of God 1. Matthew 6:28to learn thoroughly 2. Luke 12:24to perceive thoroughly with the mind 3. Psalm 19:1-6 4. Psalm 8:1-4 5. ...as we observe the things of the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God's word. It is thus that nature becomes a key to the treasure house of the word.41 Steps to Christ, 90. Ibid, 89. 38 Testimonies for the Church, 6:393. 39 Ibid, 4:526. 40 Education, 189. 41 Ibid, 120.
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6. As we contemplate the beauty of nature, as we study its lessons in the cultivation of the soil, in the growth of the trees, in all the wonders of earth and sea and sky, there will come to us a new perception of truth.42 C. Study of the Spirit of Prophecy 1. The writings of Ellen G. White give evidence of a special spiritual gift of prophecy that was bestowed upon her by the Holy Spirit of God. These writings direct our attention to Jesus Christ and to the Scriptures as the primary source of truth and also provide wise counsel for those living in the last days of earths history. 2. The Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding all this, some who profess to make the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word which they have neglected to follow.43 3. The testimonies of His Spirit call your attention to the Scriptures, point out your defects of character, and rebuke your sins;44 4. We must follow the directions given through the Spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His Word. He has spoken to us through the Testimonies to the church, and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we should now occupy.45 D. How to study 1. Pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit a. John 16:12-14 b. Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given.46 c. A true knowledge of the Bible can be gained only through the aid of that Spirit by whom the word was given.47 2. Read carefully and thoughtfully a. 2 Timothy 2:15 Christs Object Lessons, 126. Testimonies for the Church, 2:454-455. 44 Ibid, 5:234. 45 Ibid, 8:298. 46 Steps to Christ, 91. 47 Education, 189.
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b. There is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value that the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained.48 c. Be not only Bible readers, but earnest Bible students, that you may know that God requires of you. You need an experimental knowledge of how to do His will. Christ is our Teacher.49 d. In daily study the verse-by-verse method is often most helpful. Let the student take one verse, and concentrate the mind on ascertaining the thought that God has put into that verse for him, and then dwell upon the thought until it becomes his own.50 3. Take notes a. Record the lessons that you learn from your prayerful study time. b. These insights will be helpful for times of meditation and prayer. 4. Commit precious truths to memory a. Psalm 119:11 b. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind.51 c. Let the important passages of Scripture...be committed to memory....Though at first the memory may be defective, it will gain strength by exercise, so that after a time you will delight thus to treasure up the precious words of truth.52 d. Often He (Jesus) expressed the gladness of His heart by singing Psalms and spiritual songs. Often the dwellers of Nazareth heard his voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song;.His praise seemed to banish the evil angels and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried from this earthly exile, to the heavenly home.53 Steps to Christ, 90. Testimonies for the Church, 6:161. 50 Education, 189. 51 Steps to Christ, 90. 52 Ellen G. White, Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 42. 53 The Desire of Ages, 73.
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e. You need the treasures of God's Word hidden in your heart....The heart that is stored with the precious truths of God's Word is fortified against the temptation of Satan, against impure thoughts and unholy actions....Let us commit its promises to memory, so that, when we are deprived of our Bibles, we may still be in possession of the Word of God.54

VII.

EPILOGUE This workbook is a brief introduction to the study of Christian spirituality how to experience intimate communion with God. May you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). At each step of your journey, give thanks to God and share what you have learned with others. 55

Ellen G. White, My Life Today, 28. Have you been blessed by God as a result of this study? Please send your testimony and feedback to MorrisD@gc.adventist.org.
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