Pastor's Ponderings:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn how to live freely and lightly. (The Message)
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun in his book “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook” ask the question, “how can hectic and demanding schedules yield to the aching desire for unforced rhythms of grace”? Or putting it another way, hidden in our desperations and desires is an appetite to know and feel the presence of God. But how can we do that?
The very first thing that Jesus asked his soon-to-be disciples was, ”What do you want”? (John 1:37) What is it you want? (Matthew 20:21) What do you want me to do for you? (Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:36;51) Do you want to get well? (John 5:6)
On September 26, several members of the Hebron United Methodist Church attended a Spiritual Discipline Retreat led by Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy. Spiritual Disciplines are defined as practices that conform us as individuals into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Spirit, so that our world will be transformed. Spiritual disciplines open us to God. Our part is to offer ourselves lovingly and obediently to God so that God can work within us doing what he alone can do. Disciplines are intentional ways in which we open space in our lives for the worship of God. They are not harsh, but grace filled ways of responding to the presence of Christ with our bodies. Worship happens in our bodies, not just our heads.
Over the next couple of months, you will be invited to participate in Spiritual Discipline Practices. These disciplines can be practiced alone or in community. You will be given the opportunity to choose a particular spiritual discipline that is speaking directly to you. Set aside some time (20 minutes is the suggested time) to practice the spiritual discipline you have chosen. Guidelines will be provided for you. And the list of spiritual disciples is extensive covering prayer, humility, community, compassion, forgiveness, care of the earth, bible study, blessing others, mentoring, self-care, and on and on and on.
I am looking forward to walking with you on this journey of discovering the spiritual discipline that opens you up to being alone with God, to discover for yourself that God is more interested in who we become than what we accomplish.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
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Adele Ahlberg Calhoun in his book “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook” ask the question, “how can hectic and demanding schedules yield to the aching desire for unforced rhythms of grace”? Or putting it another way, hidden in our desperations and desires is an appetite to know and feel the presence of God. But how can we do that?
The very first thing that Jesus asked his soon-to-be disciples was, ”What do you want”? (John 1:37) What is it you want? (Matthew 20:21) What do you want me to do for you? (Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:36;51) Do you want to get well? (John 5:6)
On September 26, several members of the Hebron United Methodist Church attended a Spiritual Discipline Retreat led by Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy. Spiritual Disciplines are defined as practices that conform us as individuals into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Spirit, so that our world will be transformed. Spiritual disciplines open us to God. Our part is to offer ourselves lovingly and obediently to God so that God can work within us doing what he alone can do. Disciplines are intentional ways in which we open space in our lives for the worship of God. They are not harsh, but grace filled ways of responding to the presence of Christ with our bodies. Worship happens in our bodies, not just our heads.
Over the next couple of months, you will be invited to participate in Spiritual Discipline Practices. These disciplines can be practiced alone or in community. You will be given the opportunity to choose a particular spiritual discipline that is speaking directly to you. Set aside some time (20 minutes is the suggested time) to practice the spiritual discipline you have chosen. Guidelines will be provided for you. And the list of spiritual disciples is extensive covering prayer, humility, community, compassion, forgiveness, care of the earth, bible study, blessing others, mentoring, self-care, and on and on and on.
I am looking forward to walking with you on this journey of discovering the spiritual discipline that opens you up to being alone with God, to discover for yourself that God is more interested in who we become than what we accomplish.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
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