If you’re new to Life Compass, on Sundays I write on spirituality & faith. I do it because we’re all spiritual beings and have a moral compass in our lives. You can learn more by clicking here.
Have you ever enjoyed a DAWG – A Day Alone With God…or Day Away With God? It’s been a while for me…and I’m feeling the need for one soon.
I enjoy reading my Bible several times a week, and it seems like I pray to God 100 times throughout each day. These things are good, and definitely help me grow in my personal relationship with God.
But there’s something about spending a large block of time focusing on God, seeking his direction, and listening for his voice, that really helps me grow farther and deeper in my spiritual life, and helps me live the life God has planned for me.
Through different Days Alone with God over the years, I have sensed God’s calling on my life, clarified my life’s purpose, gained insight into problems and issues, and caught visions for the future.
January, with the New Year just beginning, is a natural time to plan a DAWG, which is why I’m thinking about it now. But anytime is a great time, really.
What is a Day Alone With God?
So what, exactly, is a Day Alone With God? It is simply a large block of time dedicated to developing your relationship with the Lord, and gaining greater direction for your life.
Where do you go?
You can go anywhere for your Day Alone with God. My favorite place is somewhere outdoors – in the woods, at a lake, or a park. But indoor places are fine too. A library works well, a hotel, a cottage, or retreat center.
If you don’t have easy access to these types of places, you can do it at home or at your office. But for me, I need to be in a place where I can get away from the every day and from things that easily distract me.
What do you bring?
- Your Bible
- Pencils/pens
- A journal or notebook
- Music that helps you worship
- A book or two on spiritual growth
- Anything you need for your personal comfort
- Your personal growth plan (including your goals and dreams for the future)
What do you do?
Here’s a list of things you could do on your Day Alone With God:
- Read the Bible
- Fast
- Pray
- Meditate on scripture
- Pray scripture
- Sit in the silence
- Pray that you hear God and not other distractions
- Write down whatever thoughts or insights come to your mind
- Make an plan for how you’ll follow-up on the insights God gives you
What if I can’t Set Aside a Full Day?
If you can’t set aside a full day right now for a Day Alone with God, a half-day will do just fine! Even three to four hours is enough to help you start to slow down, stop thinking about your stuff, and start to focus on God.
What Do I Do After My Day Alone With God?
Well, the short answer is that it’s between you and God, because He speaks to people differently. That being said, I think the most important thing you need to do is follow up on whatever insights God gave you. If you clearly sensed Him telling you to start, stop, or continue something, then make sure you do it.
You might share your insights with your spouse, a trusted friend, or accountability partner. Perhaps they can give you suggestions on what’s next, or even help you along in the process.
Have you ever set aside a Day Alone With God? Is this something that sounds worthwhile to you?
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