How long?

Slices

Prepare

Be aware of the Lord’s presence with you. Open yourself to what he wants to say. Take all the time you need.

Bible passage

Acts 20:1–12

Through Macedonia and Greece

20 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. He travelled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Eutychus raised from the dead at Troas

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third storey and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms round him. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He’s alive!’ 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

wl

Explore

Do you like epic films, such as Lord of the Rings or Avatar? Lengthy, all‑absorbing adventures? We’re a very sedentary generation, and we’ll sit for long films but not always for times with the Lord or for lengthy sermons! Someone once said that what orators lack in depth they make up for in length. I can’t think that was true of Paul, who, knowing he was on the move, wanted to ensure he shared as much as possible with his audience. Even Eutychus’ accident didn’t stop him speaking right through the night. And no one is mentioned as leaving. 

I’m reminded of how little time I actually spend going deeper in my love for and knowledge of the Lord. How I race through my daily readings or cut short my prayers, or hope the preacher isn’t too long on Sunday because I’ve things to do and places to go and people to meet. Does that resonate with you too? What might need to change in your attitude to both length and depth in your time with the Lord?

Author
Penelope Swithinbank

Respond

Think about your priorities. When could you have a longer time, what would that involve? A walk; reading an epistle in one sitting; listening to a podcast or sermon; maybe going on retreat? What needs to be put in the diary/schedule so it happens?

Bible in a year

Read the Bible in a year: Ecclesiastes 10,11; 1 Timothy 2

Pray for Scripture Union

Please pray for every church to reflect the fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – to every young person they encounter so that the light of Christ may shine through them. (This weeks prayers are related this this article in Connecting You.)