In eDOT’s Soul Connection app (still in development), we desire to give believers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a guided time with God’s Word, for the purpose of restoring communion with God. By seeking to immerse the believer in times of interaction with and reflection on God’s Word, the app draws believers into deeper, personal, intimate relationship / communion with God that results in transformation. As we continue to develop the app, we’d love to consider your suggestions for favorite Scripture passages and a guided time of communion of God.

Psalm 1:1-3, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” ESV, emphasis mine.

Psalm 119:9-12, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!” ESV, emphasis mine.

How does this transformation occur? Paul refers to this transformation in Romans 12:1-2, “ . . . Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (ESV, emphasis mine).

Luke 10:38-42 also gives insights about the process of transformation, “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” ESV, emphasis mine.

What do these Scriptures suggest about transformation? That transformation is intentional, an immersive time in the Word of God, sitting proverbially at the feet of Jesus—like Mary, or being immersed in the Word of God like a tree beside a stream of water—with the expectation that God communicates directly, personally and intimately with us. Not just reading God’s Word, but God, Himself, speaking—probably not audibly, but in our spirit—to us. Always, always, ALWAYS in agreement with the entire revealed Word of God. Avoiding distraction, we are focused exclusively on what the Lord would say directly, and personally toward us as individuals.

Ortberg, in his book titled The Life you’ve Always Wanted, puts it this way: “The goal is not for us to get through the Scriptures. The goal is to get the Scriptures through us” (emphasis mine). Transformation occurs as we allow God to use His Word to change us—asking Him what in our lives He desires to change. Transformation occurs as we immerse ourselves in the Word of God.

What are some ways you’ve enjoyed immersive time in the Word? Some favorite passages? Places or activities that have helped you focus on communion with God?