When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relentedand did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10
Prepare yourself to receive from God as you read this passage. Slow down, find a place to be quiet and rest. Pray for openness to hear from these words of Jonah.
Read Jonah 3:1-10 out loud. Listen with the ear of your heart for a word, phrase or an image, some detail of the story that piqued your attention by the Holy Spirit. Linger on the word or phrase that stands out to you. Take as long as you like.
Reflect now on the story with your imagination. Read Jonah 3:1-10 again and this time envision the scene, the big picture. Who are the main characters and what are they doing? Meditate on the message you hear being spoken to your heart by God’s word. Why do you think that certain word or phrase grabbed you? How does it connect with your life today?
Pray after you read the passage a third time. Let God’s story lead you into a response of spontaneous prayer, worship, thoughts and requests. Is there an invitation from God for you? Is there something God is telling you to know, be, do or say?
Contemplate the word you have received. Rest in God’s grace, love, and mercy. Wait in his presence before you re-enter your life as usual. Let him show you how you can take what you have experienced from his word into your dailiness.
By Donna Burns
