PERSONAL COMMUNION WITH GOD
(The first part A-E is adapted from Tim Keller’s Mentoring Material)
A. Warm up reading – Devotional material that helps direct your attention to God

B. Bible in-take –
1. Systematic reading that gets you involved with the Old and New Testament
2. Study that focuses on one chapter or passage- note the key words, outline, contrasts, comparisons, etc
3. Application – commands, promises, sins to avoid, examples to follow

C. Meditation (Luther’s plan)
1. Reflect – what is the passage saying
2. Praise – What does it teach me about God’s character, majesty, greatness, wisdom, grace?
3. Confession – What sin does this point out? What are the dangers of this sin? In what specific way does this sin offend, ignore or deny the character of God? What do I learn of his grace by the fact that he redeems and forgives this sin?
4. Petition – What do I need? What happens in my life when I forget or deny this truth about God’s character? Does my life show that I’m practicing this teaching? What kind of love toward God do I most lack and need? What “put on” will I need to practice in order to “put off” this sin?

D. Prayer – use the questions above for Praise, Confession, and Petition

E. Self Examination – Ask yourself these or similar questions. You may want to focus on one question for a whole day or even a week and then move to the next.
1. Have I been fervent in prayer? Was there warmth? Access?
2. have I prayed at my stated times? With my family?
3. Have I practiced God’s presence at least every hour?
4. have I, before every deliberate action or conversation considered how it might be turned to God’s glory?
5. Have I sought to center conversations on the other person’s interest and needs and toward God?
6. Have I given thanks to God after every pleasant occurrence or time? In trials?
7. Have I thought or spoken unkindly of anyone?
8. Have I been careful to avoid proud thoughts or comparing myself to others? Have I done things just for appearances? Have I mused on my own fame or acclaim?
9. Have I been sensitive, warm, and cheerful toward others?
10. Have I been impure in my thoughts or glances?
11. Have I confessed sins toward God or others swiftly?
12. Have I over or under eaten, slept, worked?
13. Have I twisted the truth to look good?
14. Have I been leading in my home or only reacting to situations?(Parents)
15. Have I been a good follower at home, listening to my parents advice and instruction with a teachable attitude? (kids, youth)
16. Have I been defensive and easily offended?

F. Examining the Motives of the Heart (from False Intimacy p. 209)
1. How do I manage the emptiness I feel in this fallen world?
2. Am I committed to finding relief when I demand it, or do I eagerly anticipate life in eternity and groan a the difference between this fallen world and life as God created it to be?
3. Do I refuse to accept the fact that I’m a stranger in this fallen world? Do I use my Christian walk to obtain something for myself and gain self-fulfillment?
4. Have I grieved over my own sinful heart?
5. Have I examined my own thoughts, desires, behaviors, motives, and attitudes in the light of Scripture and God’s mandate for holiness?
6. Is my obedience to God motivated primarily by genuine spiritual passion, or by fear?
7. In what ways do I cling to self-protection, false intimacy, and security?
8. Do I find more joy in comfortable circumstances and loving relationships than I do in deep communion with God?
9. How often do I pretend that life is better than it really is?
10. How do I handle such problems as resentment, lack of love, sexual urges and fear?
11. How do I respond to disappointment in relationships?
12. In what ways can I clearly identify deceitfulness in my heart?
13. Can I identify any sinful ways that I choose to relieve the pain in my life?
14. How does the emptiness in my own being affect how I relate to others and to God?
15. Is my enjoyment of God greater than the blessing I receive from relationships with other people?
16. Would my life really be much different if I weren’t a Christian? How?

G. Examining Spiritual Affections:
1. Do you love God, others, and yourself?
2. Do your own sins as well as those of others disturb you?
3. How great is your interest in money, pleasure, and awards?
4. Do you trust more in the world and less in God?
5. Are you saddened by small losses?
6. Are you too pleased with worthless things?
7. What do you really enjoy? What passions control you?

H. Journal – Keep an honest record of God’s dealing with you – temptations, fears, triumphs, lessons, etc.
Thank God for the slightest observable spiritual growth.
Admit that you would not have improved except for God’s mercy
If you fail to find any progress, admit in all humility that you alone are responsible.
Praise God for helping you.
Seek God’s forgiveness for your failures.

I've never had a blog but am intrigued by the possibilities. I chose the name "A Bridegroom's Robe" from part of a Valley of Vision prayer: Continual Repentance
"O God of Grace, you have imputed my sin to my substitute and have imputed his righteousness to my soul, clothing me with A BRIDEGROOM'S ROBE, decking me with jewels of holiness..."

This is a great reminder that though I can't see it, by faith in Christ, I am given a new righteousness in Christ and a new standing before God.