A Priori-TEA? Absolu-TEA-ly!

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3, KJV)

Do I believe that priori-TEA times are important for one's relationship with the LORD?

YES,.....BUT.....today my early morning "quiet" schedule was just a "stab" at a true "Tea With Thee" time. Lots of "valid"---at least, valid to me, reasons. 

But God...in His grace granted a reprieve of sorts when a great time slot (between 1:30 and 2:30) opened up for a longer time of prayer and meditation. AND....isn't that what a quiet time is all about?

How special that my tea pot time was "spot on" for my afternoon cuppa raspberry decaf.

Time with the Lord. A priority? Absolutely! But.....keeping the intent of my commitment is more important than my "normal" checklist" & that mentality helped assuage my guilt.

Plus, the Lord filled me with Psalm 5 tea words:

• ..for med-Tea-tation (v. 1) from this "all those in communi-TEA" lament of David's. (v. 11 & 12)
• Priori-TEA of early prayer times in David's life. (v. 3)
• God hates iniqui-TEA. (v. 5)
• Recognition of the mul-TEA-tude of God's mercies. (v. 7)
• David's humili-TEA  in worship as he must have been prostrate before the holy temple. (v.7) Dr. Constables's comments on this verse gave me the idea of an at-TEA-tude of vulnerabili-TEA in worship. (Sonic Light, p. 25)
• Consequences of guil-TEA behavior of the wicked. (v. 9-10)
• Visibili-TEA of trust and joy in the lives of the righteous (v. 11-12) who walk in the straight way. (v. 8) 

"Tea with Thee." Priority accomplished? Absolutely! 

"Priori-TEA" Time

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, KJV )

Priority Time. A new brew for an old familiar term, Quiet Time. Karin Conlee "coined" this term, or at least presented it to me and a "packed" room, at the Downline Women's Summit. 

Fellowship with Father God. A time to be with Him. Spend time with Him. Seek that first AND then all else is added. God can even redeem the time. There is NO substitute for this time.
Jesus set that example when he slowed His own pace of ministry----teaching, healing and discipling, to pull apart and spend time with His Father. (Matthew 14:23)
Even as one matures, this time is just as important, if not more so.

There is a need for intimacy with Him---to know Him better, that we might love Him more & be enabled to love & serve others well. That teaching has resonated in my mind over the last 6-8 months. From books, various pulpits, blogs, and messages from friends, I know God wants me to pay attention to this GREAT commandment. (Mark 12:30-31)

Intimate time in fellowship with Him is key to embracing this truth as a part of my daily walk. A time just for  me. Me and Thee. Not an accomplishment time.

So.....it can no longer be just a quiet time----it must be a "priori-TEA time" AND it might even get a little NOISY with praise and singing.

There's already been a good bit of caffeinated cuppas consumed during my "Tea With Thee" time, synonymous with a "prioi-TEA" time, so it can "rock, " on occasion.

A priori-TEA cuppa serve with a little sweet bread and a lot of truth from the Bread of Life.