Spiritual Practices
As we begin the first year of our mission statement to “feed more sheep,” we are beginning to think about the ways that we need to be fed personally. To that end, we are going to be focusing on one spiritual discipline each month as a congregation. Ryan Krauss, our student minister, will be putting together information on new practices each month and setting aside one night a month for anyone who is interested to come and learn new ways of participating in the spiritual practices. Typically, these will meet the third Thursday of every month, but check the church calendar for more details. For information, please email Ryan at [email protected].
What are Spiritual Practices?
Within a faith community, “spiritual practices” go by many names: disciplines, spiritual disciplines, orders, offices, etc. The purpose of spiritual practices vary, but most aim to cultivate, to help one connect with God in a tangible manner, and/or to focus one’s devotional life in an otherwise distracting world. Spiritual practices can include prayer, fasting, singing/chanting, using prayer beads, meditating, and reading scripture, among others. Spiritual practices are not only for the individual, however, as worshiping with brothers and sisters, joining together in mission and community outreach, and even sharing a meal together may also serve as spiritual practices.
Why learn/use Spiritual Practices?
Engaging in spiritual practices helps develop a commitment to a conscientious life of faith. The consistent use of such practices reminds us of God’s constant presence. Spiritual practices can be a retreat from the busyness and pace of an aggressive, materialistic culture. Not to mention, learning new spiritual disciplines allows us to connect with God in fresh, exciting, and diverse ways; these practices are a way let our faith be stretched. Since Christians (and other faiths) have used these practices for centuries, engaging in spiritual practices connects us to a long tradition of encountering and growing in God.
What Spiritual Practices ARE NOT…
- They are not “magical formulas” which make God pay attention to us
- They are not requirements to “get on God’s good side”
- They are not tools to make everyone’s spirituality identical
- They are NOT the only way God moves in our lives
Spiritual disciplines are just some of the multitude of ways for intentionally growing personal and communal faith.
For more information about any of the following spiritual practices, click on the links below:
