Jeremy L. Berg

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8)

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Rev 3:20)

Our senior high group is preparing for our annual winter retreat. This year’s focus will be exploring some of the classical spiritual disciplines in hopes of discovering and experiencing new and powerful “doorways” into the presence of God.  Thus, we’re calling this the “SACRED DOORS” retreat.

These two passages above reveal a beautiful two-fold truth about the inner life of intimacy with God: (1) We must do our part and intentionally seek, ask and knock in order to have communion with God (Matt 7:7-8); and (2) Christ does his part by knocking on the doors of our hearts, quietly, patiently waiting for us to invite Him in so we can enjoy intimate fellowship with him (Rev. 3:20).

In preparation for this experience I am reading Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” and doing some re-evaluating of the state of my own interior life.  What are your favorite books on the interior life of the soul?  Brother Lawrence’s “Practicing the Presence” is a favorite of mine.  And you?

Here’s the promo video for our “Sacred Doors” retreat.