For youth leaders or kids, worship through meditation on several Psalms, with questions and observations.

(Download this discussion as a PDF)

Spend some relaxed time praying or meditating: Psalm 5:3, 7; Psalm 62:1, 5; Psalm 63:1-8.

1. How much time have you spent in the past two weeks just being with God-not reading the Bible, not saying prayers or talking to God-just alone in silence with God nothing to do, nothing to perform, nothing to defend just soaking up His love-listening to His presence?
2. How excited are you about going to church this Sunday? When will you celebrate-and how eager are you for-your next communion?
3. Does church worship allow you to pray in silence? Do you have a sense of yourself as a central actor and celebrant of the Eucharist?
4. Is there an organic relationship among your private devotions family or group fellowship church worship?
   • Does the style of your personal devotions flow through family and group times into church worship?
   • Notice how Hebrew piety did so flow from daily morning, noon, and evening prayer to temple worship (Psalm 141:2).
   • Is there anything you are more excited about than waiting for, being with, and praising God?

You may be happy with your answers-and it feels good. To be troubled about your response means you probably need help. A person who helps with spiritual growth is a spiritual director.

There are differences between spiritual direction and discipling:

• A discipler seeks disciples; a spiritual director is sought.
• A discipler is excited about teaching; a spiritual director enjoys listening.
• A discipler is a Bible teacher, Biblical prayer, witnesser, etc; a spiritual director is primarily a discerner of hearts.
• Discipling brings assurance to the mind and encourages memorization; spiritual direction wants the heart to trust and suggests meditation.

Dean Borgman cCYS