Spiritual Practices
"Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper; to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?” We do, and ask God to help and guide us. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p 236)
This is the question that people are asked on their Confirmation Day; and it's a question that we do well to return to all throughout life. Christian life is something we practice - that is, we work at it, we try different things, and we probbaly never perfect it. Setting aside time and space to practice our Christianity is a helpful way of making it a part of our regular routine. This page is dedicated to helping people discover spiritual practices that work for them. Some practices are creative, some are silent, some involve movement, some are activist, some are generative. Try some of them out and see what fits you. And, if you'd like to talk about these, write me.
Pastor Greg
This is the question that people are asked on their Confirmation Day; and it's a question that we do well to return to all throughout life. Christian life is something we practice - that is, we work at it, we try different things, and we probbaly never perfect it. Setting aside time and space to practice our Christianity is a helpful way of making it a part of our regular routine. This page is dedicated to helping people discover spiritual practices that work for them. Some practices are creative, some are silent, some involve movement, some are activist, some are generative. Try some of them out and see what fits you. And, if you'd like to talk about these, write me.
Pastor Greg
Participating in a Community of FaithJoining a congregation is an important aspect of Christian life, and a lot of the things you'll see on this page can be done together. In a Christian community, we share life's joys and sorrows, pray for and with one another, study the scriptures, serve the world God has made, and embody the global church in our local setting. If you would like to find an ELCA congregation near you, click here. And, if you already have a congregation, consider inviting others to discover there what you have discovered.
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Reading ScriptureWhen we read and study God's Word, we open ourselves to God's story, the story of God's people, and the ways God is alive in the world. Some ways include reading or hearing the lessons at worship, preaching or hearing the homily, Lectio Divina, Ignatian Contemplation, downloadable Bible studies, and daily scripture readings.
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Advocating for JusticeYour community might go green, host (or participate in) a march against systems of injustice or oppression, write to public officials to tell them about what your congregation is doing to make the world a better place, write to them about specific issues about which you are concerned, contact ELCA Advocacy Network to hear about important issues in a timely matter.
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Prayer
In the words of Cynthia Bourgeault: Contemplative prayer is no longer a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. Up to now, many have thought of contemplation as a devotional, wellness, or personal transformation practice. We’re not just doing our meditation to chill out and get right with the world. We are trying to bring to bear a structure of perception, a system of consciousness, that allows us to empathize and relate to each other without fear, judgment, demonization, or division.
There are many, many kinds of prayer, including Centering Prayer, Examen, Contemplative Prayers, Imaginative Prayer, Conversational prayer, Movement prayer, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, praying for yourself, for others, for peace, for neighbors, for creation, for leaders, for enemies, for the vulnerable, for the oppressed, for oppressors, praying with icons, praying in creation, before meals, after meals, before bed, when you wake up, when you car starts, while commuting, praying the Psalms (the prayerbook of the Bible), Ignatian prayers, Luther's prayers, themed prayers -- and all with an ear for listening to what God might be saying back to you.
If you are looking for an introduction to prayer and/or if you are experiencing periods of dryness, boredom, or distraction, you might enjoy reading some of these articles. If you're looking to set aside a space in your home for prayer, read this. If you are interested in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercies, read this.
And, if you just don't know what to do, find a quiet spot, try to slow your mind down, tell God you are listening or what you are feeling/thinking/needing/wanting, and see what happens. Prayer is a conversation and you don't have to carry the whole thing yourself.
There are many, many kinds of prayer, including Centering Prayer, Examen, Contemplative Prayers, Imaginative Prayer, Conversational prayer, Movement prayer, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, praying for yourself, for others, for peace, for neighbors, for creation, for leaders, for enemies, for the vulnerable, for the oppressed, for oppressors, praying with icons, praying in creation, before meals, after meals, before bed, when you wake up, when you car starts, while commuting, praying the Psalms (the prayerbook of the Bible), Ignatian prayers, Luther's prayers, themed prayers -- and all with an ear for listening to what God might be saying back to you.
If you are looking for an introduction to prayer and/or if you are experiencing periods of dryness, boredom, or distraction, you might enjoy reading some of these articles. If you're looking to set aside a space in your home for prayer, read this. If you are interested in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercies, read this.
And, if you just don't know what to do, find a quiet spot, try to slow your mind down, tell God you are listening or what you are feeling/thinking/needing/wanting, and see what happens. Prayer is a conversation and you don't have to carry the whole thing yourself.
RememberingMartin Luther took great comfort in remembering his baptism - you might, too. When you wash your face, or are out in the rain, or walk past the baptismal font, you can make the sign of the cross and remember your baptism. Try it now.
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CreativityEncountering the arts, singing, listening to music, playing music, writing music, writing poetry, writing in a journal - these can all be forms of spritual practice insofar as they lead us closer to, not further from, our awareness of God's abiding presence.
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RelationshipsHoly Conversation, love all of humanity, respecting everyone, seeing differences as a gift from God, considering your relationship with nature and animals, or with people you will never meet - these, too, can all lead us deeper into God.
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Forgiveness and GraceMaking confession and besing assured of forgiveness can be a powerful spiritual practice; so can firgiving as we have been forgiven by God.
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Additional Resources
Here is an Assessment Tool for helping to discover your Spiritual Gifts.
The Alaska Synod of the ELCA has a helpful page on Spiritual Practices.
The Alaska Synod of the ELCA has a helpful page on Spiritual Practices.