Over the past few weeks, I had the joy of attending two Pop-Up Theology events that left a deep impact on my spiritual walk: a book club exploring Tim Keller’s Prayer, and a seminar on Biblical meditation. At both gatherings, I was struck by how powerful it is to spend semi-structured time discussing spiritual things with fellow believers. These weren’t just “events” – they were moments of fellowship. In conversation, in shared silence, and in reflection, I came to know my brothers and sisters in Christ more deeply. Prioritising time together around God’s Word opens the door to deeper relationships with fellow-believers.
One major takeaway from the book club was the reminder that reading the Bible and cultivating an active prayer life are not separate disciplines, but beautifully intertwined. Tim Keller’s book provided a helpful and flexible template for how Scripture can shape our prayers – not just as words we say, but as a way to respond personally to God’s voice in His Word.
Similarly, the seminar on Biblical meditation helped frame meditation not as emptying the mind, but as filling it – specifically, filling it with the truth of God’s Word. As Psalm 1:2 says, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Biblical meditation helps develop a spirit that not only knows God’s Word but truly delights in it.
What encouraged me most through both events was the reminder that God is a speaking God. He hasn’t left us to figure life out on our own – He reveals Himself in His Word, and He listens when we pray. In fact, prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue – a relationship built on God’s initiative to speak first. The prophet Isaiah records God saying, “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3). God delights in revealing Himself, and we are invited to seek Him in His Word and respond in prayer.
Together, these events reminded me of how vital it is to slow down, open the Scriptures, and talk to God – and to do this not only alone, but also in the company of fellow believers. Whether through a discussion about Keller’s book or a shared moment of meditation, I saw that fellowship, Scripture, and prayer are threads woven tightly together in the life of faith.
The next Pop-Up Theology session is looking at the book James. The ‘Dig Deeper into James’ seminar is being run twice so choose which time works best for you and book your free place.