Gathering each week to worship the One true God is life-giving.
Gathering with the One, quiet and alone, is a sacred delight.
This gathering requires no preparations. Simply come.
Sometimes, especially after a hard season in life, or in the middle of one, I find comfort in setting an intentional table for two. This tea time with God isn’t a weird “fluffy feel good” practice. It’s an intentional act that flies in the face of my enemy who never tires of reminding me of past sins or current failures.
But God’s nearness is the key that unlocks both my hope and joy. So I simply come.
Two teacups sit on my farm table. One cup holds a teabag. The other holds a place at the table, reminding me that my Heavenly Father’s presence is that near.
As the kettle whistles and the water pours, my cup blossoms into rich amber. Its rising fragrance reminds me of the incense that arose from the Holy of Holies, representing the prayers of God’s people.
Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Psalm 141:2
As I sip my tea — time slows to a sacred pace. I sit still and quiet.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
There’s nothing natural about stilling the heart and mind. (Lately, it seems the more unnatural/uncomfortable something feels, the more convinced I am it is of God.) He wants us to know Him. I can’t wrap my head around this truth but I fully embrace it with every drop of gratitude possible.
Let these truths settle deep in the soul: God never hides from us, ignores our pain, or fiddles with a phone when we speak. Nothing is too small, too big, too high, or too wide for His reach. He is ever-present.
May these truths never wear thin in the fabric of our everyday lives.
As I sip my tea, I read His Word aloud, pray, and talk with Him as I would with a friend sitting across from me. Words aren’t always necessary, just like any relationship. “Happy masks” are exchanged for the freedom that is mine through Jesus. In Him, I can be me — a repeat offender, quirky, and quite the mess, but it’s in this same freedom I recognize that “being me” doesn’t negate my sinfulness. In fact, it highlights it, and for my good. So I confess and close out our time by thanking God for who He is:
- Heavenly Father
- Holy
- Just
- Forgiving, full of grace
- Omniscient
- Omnipresent
- El Roi, the God who sees
The quiet power of our tea-for-two lingers long after the last sip, thanks be to Jesus.
Have you practiced something similar? Is there a particular name of God you’re leaning into these days? I’d love for you to share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
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OMGoodness; what vivid word pictures this invoked Ms. Cathy. Thank you so much for inviting us to sit with you and the Father during your special, quiet time with our Lord. What a blessing. As for His name of late? It’s “Abba” (papa, daddy). Lately, I’ve been crazy busy with things and stressed for more than I should be (deadlines, delays, unresponsiveness, changes, etc.) At night, as I lay my head on my pillow, I silently call out to Abba. “Come papa. Invite me to come sit in your lap. I need to feel your arms around me. I need your touch. Please Abba, take away the world and let me rest in you Lord.” Thank you for reminding me the importance of prioritizing my alone time with God. And thank you for sharing your special time with us. God’s blessings young lady.
And you paint a tender picture of our relationship with Him, J.D. Thank you for sharing. I’m praying for your busy season. Blessings!!
Lovely! I’ve often asked God if He would like a cup of tea (the teapot boiling usually occurs mid-breakfast prayer). I love your idea of setting an actual cup out.
I love that, Angie. Maybe one day we’ll be able to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea together. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
A pause with the Prince of Peace is a gift we can give ourselves that brings amazing refreshment. Thanks for the reminder, Cathy.
Yes and amen, Carolyn! Thank you for stopping by and “sharing” a cup of tea with me.
I love this imagery. I sit in his presence, but never thought to have a cup or glass to represent Him being there. Great idea.
Thank you for sharing, Jann. Blessings, friend!
Oh Cathy, how blessed I was to read this. My spirit instantly relaxed and absorbed God’s presence. I love how you share your heart with us, because it always reaches deep into my soul and ministers to me. Thank you, my friend.
I’m thankful the Lord used the words to encourage you, Barbara. 🙂 The next time you come to Blue Ridge I’ll bring thee tea cups!
I love that idea! ☕️☕️☕️
((( HUGS ))))
*Sigh* Friend, what a powerful and inviting post. I felt as though I smelled your tea from here. More than that, I felt His nearness. Believe it or not, the name of God that has been on my heart lately is the one you mentioned. The God Who Sees.
It’s one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I look forward to sharing a cup of tea (or coffee!) with you at Blue Ridge, Lord willing. 🙂
An intentional table for one- always available, always ready, never denied or left waiting- and it’s a table of peace. I felt a calm and serenity just reading this, Cathy and to know it’s always mine to capture. Thanks for the vivid picture you painted.
The privilege of the invitation through Jesus never loses its awe. Amen! Thank you for taking the time to share, Marilyn. Blessings…
Beautiful, as always, Cathy. Tea, soon??
Yes!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Tammy!
So good! Rich and soothing!
Thank you, Tammy!
Cathy, I love this calming, worshipful, refreshing post. I often picture God sitting beside me as we talk.
I know of no sweeter picture than that, Jeannie. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Cathy, this is beautifully written. I’ve made it a practice to walk through my house to envision God in each room. It helps me enter His presence during those times when I struggle to feel it.
Blessings!
Yes and amen, Candyce! What a lovely practice. Thank you for sharing!
An inspiring post, Cathy. I like how you use the extra tea setting to represent Him being close. My husband and I enjoy coffee in the morning, while sitting on the porch and watching the birds visit our feeders. I often pray and/or read devotionals during this time.
How nice, Robin! This is why I wish my husband liked coffee. I’ve dreamed of us sitting in a similar setting. It’s just not the same with a Coke Zero. Ha! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. 🙂