Thirsty for Living Water

Written By Justin Camp

Listen. Soak me in. How does any relationship deepen but with trust and time?

We are always thirsting for something — and our souls, at their core, desire what only God can satisfy. In this encounter, we will engage Holy Spirit to uncover the deep desires of our hearts, naming what it is we are thirsting for and how, practically, we can move toward experiencing these true desires from God in our lives.

Find a comfortable place to sit and relax.

Begin with breath prayer, using the following verse:

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:1).

Next, use the practice of Lectio Divina to contemplate John 7:37,38. 

The practice of Lectio Divina provides us a way to engage with Scripture, with God’s own words, to engage in a personal conversation with Jesus. And we need that. Because when we’re hurting — or self-focused — and we cry out to God in prayer, too often we do all the talking and don’t give him a chance to talk back.

With Lectio Divina, we give Jesus that chance.

In this passage, Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Festival of Tabernacles. The Festival of Tabernacles was a big annual festival where adult Jewish males were expected to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was considered a joyous and popular festival. Originally a harvest celebration, by the time of Jesus, it had also taken on the significance of remembering God’s provision for the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings.

Read the verses below three times. As you do, imagine yourself in this crowd, amid your busy life now, as Jesus shouts out these words. Jesus is telling us that living water is our inheritance if we want it, if we are thirsty. 

Imagine hearing Jesus’ voice calling to you through the crowds. Imagine yourself making your way to him. Look at him, notice him looking at you. 

Before you begin, consecrate your imagination to Jesus now — letting him help you stay in this scene. 

Jesus, I consecrate my imagination to you. I give you my mind, the pictures in my mind, my thoughts….

Relax. Get comfortable. Let Jesus talk to you now as you read this passage three times, pausing for a minute or so between each time….

“Then on the most important day of the feast, the last day, Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds — All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!’” (John 7:37,38, TPT).

Now, if you want to write in your journal, whatever feels good to you, pray these prayers…and listen for his response:

I am thirsty, Lord, I need you. (What does he say?)

I want to know more about what living water looks like in my life. Show me now. (Close your eyes. Relax.) (What does he show you?)

Help me be here with you now, Lord. I love you, I love you. (What does he say?)

Continue the conversation with Jesus, though this conversation doesn’t have to be full of words. Perhaps you will want to stay quiet. You might want some fresh air or walk outside for a few minutes. Or you might want to stay where you are. Just let your heart be open and present with God and imagine him saying these words to you: “Listen. Soak me in. How does any relationship deepen but with trust and time?”

After 10 minutes or so, get out your journal and write down your responses to the following questions:

What are you thirsting for?

  1. How do you hope living water will be made evident in your life?

  2. What change will you make this week — something practical — to drink more of this living water?

Offer these responses to God in prayer.

 
 

Worship Music

Justin Camp
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