Exploring the Way
an Introduction to the Spiritual Journey You have created us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. -- Saint Augustine, 4th century We do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life! -- Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer Over the winter of 2008, the Sunday Adult Class at Woodlawn Chapel studied the book Exploring the Way, an Introduction to the Spiritual Journey, by Marjorie J Thompson. Exploring the Way (from the Companions in Christ. series) is an introduction to spiritual formation, the process of being reshaped according to the image of Christ. The study introduces the language of spiritual formation and some basic practices of Christian spiritual life. For Christian novice or spiritual veteran, it explores basic concepts of Christian spiritual life, along with biblical texts that undergird them. Participants have been discovering spiritual practices that can sustain us on our journey -- practices like simple journaling, sharing faith journeys, sacred reading, breath prayers, holy listening, and daily spiritual self-assessment. These easily learned practices can gradually contribute to spiritual formation and renewal. Participants are invited to develop daily patterns that open their lives to a deepening relationship with God and one another. No previous training or experience is required. By growing in faith, we open ourselves more deeply to the presence of God in our lives and in the world. The sections below summarize concepts addressed in Exploring the Way. These brief summaries can be used by participants as a reminder of the topics covered in class, and can also be used by others who have not attended the classes, as an introduction to the concepts covered in the class. One size does not fit all in spiritual formation, and as the car ads say, "your mileage may vary." Any particular spiritual practice will resonate for some but fall flat for others. For those want to follow up on a particular practice, additional links are provided to material not covered in the class or the book. Spiritual Formation (Christ Being Formed in Us) Spiritual formation is the process of being shape according to the image of Christ by gracious working of the Holy Spirit, for the sake of the world.
-- Elizabeth O'Connor, Search for Silence
I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19)
All of us are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2Corinthians 3:18)
Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) Spiritual Practices:- Journaling - Tracking our faith experiences and responses in writing
- Sharing Faith Journeys - Sharing our journeys with others for insight, support, and encouragement
- Lectio Divina - The classic practice of spiritual reading or "praying the scriptures"
- Breath Prayer - A simple way to pray through the day with a short phrase
- Holy Listening - The practice of deep and attentive listening to one another
- Daily Examine - Reflecting over the past 24 hours focusing on God's presence and our response
Journaling Something in the physical act of writing releases creativity and self understanding ... journaling unlocks the imagination
-- Anne Broyles, Journaling: a Spiritual Journey
A journal is a record of life's journey. Journaling records responses to events over time in: thoughts, feelings, questions, hopes, and insights. A spiritual journal focuses on how these thoughts, feelings, questions, hopes, and insights relate to our faith experience. Life's journey extends outward from the present moment in both directions, past and future. Life's journey also extends inward to deeper meaning and purpose beneath the surface.
<----------------------------------- Outward -------------------------------> Birth...............................Life Now.......................... Death
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a |
r | (the mystery of God)
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V By reflecting on life through journaling, we can: be aware of God's daily presence in our lives, contemplate and weigh the meaning of scripture, attend to truths conveyed symbolically in dreams, gain insights from conversations with ourselves, others, and with God.
Basic Principles: - Just a few words or sentences are OK.
- Don't worry about punctuation, spelling, grammar, or legibility
- Don't try to copy someone else's style; just be yourself
Other Resources:
Sharing Faith Journeys What kind of sojourn is a spiritual journey? Is it wandering or adventuring? Spiritual journeying may be wandering, when we loose our way, when we leave go of our own plans and directives, or when we are completely open to whatever may happen next. Spiritual journeying may be adventuring when plans and preparations are made, when there is a prize being sought, or when there is a sense of excitement and expectation. As we go along our spiritual journeys we are called into a closer relationship with God, and our image and understanding of God will change along the way. What once seemed simple now is more complex, then later in the journey resolves again into simplicity. At different places in the journey God may seem to be "out there", far above, as we struggle to reach up and connect. At another place God may seem to be within us, in our very heart and soul. At another place the image reverses and we live within God, in whom we have our life, and breath and being. At all points along the journey we may be afraid to get too close to God, afraid of where God's voice may want to lead us. Spiritual disciplines or practices can be plans and preparations for an adventure. They can be like putting up a sail to catch the Spirit's wind, like building a trellis to support our faith as it grows and bears fruit.
As Christians, we are invited to share the stories of our faith journeys with one and other, both inside and outside the Christian community. By sharing our faith stories, the adventures and the fears, we can gain a better understanding of where we are, and where we have been, and help others to find their way.
Basic Principles: - Speak for yourself; don't assume others share your experiences and interpretations
- Offer your experiences as a gift; some may respond positively and others not
- Others will be in different points on their journeys; God works with each person differently
- Don't try to teach theology or draw general lessons for others from your experiences
- Be honest and authentic
- Be discreet; revealing more than others need to know can be a bore; this isn't therapy
Other Resources:
Lectio Divina Scripture is like a river; broad and deep, shallow enough for for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim.
-- Gregory the Great (540-604)
Swimming in the shallows = informational approach to scripture
Diving into the depths = formational approach to scripture
We will only be happy in reading of the Bible when we dare to approach it as the means by which God really speaks to us, the God who loves us and will not leave us with our questions unanswered.
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pastor and theologian
Lectio divina (pronounced lex'- ee- oh di-vee'-nah), which means "sacred reading" is an approach to hearing and praying through the scriptures that dates to ancient times. It can be done individually or in groups and has often been practiced in religious communities. There are 4 stages in the classic pattern of lectio divina: hearing, pondering, conversing, resting. Before entering in to the reading, it is beneficial to prepare to encounter God through a few moments of silence or some relaxation or centering technique.
Lectio - Hearing the Sacred Word The emphasis is on "hearing" God address you personally; the method suggests 3 readings:
- Read the passage through slowly, allowing each word to speak to you -- sit silently for a few moments.
- Re-read the passage; take note of a particular word, phrase, or image that catches your attention -- sit silently.
- Read again and stop at point that is calling out to you -- begin the next stage ...
Meditatio - Pondering the Personal Word Ponder on the word, phrase, or image that touched you in the reading. Ruminate on it, that is chew on it. Repeat it to yourself. Take it in. Think on it. What is God saying to you in this moment through these words.
Oratio - Dialog With God "Oratio" means "speak" or "pray". Speak to God, using words, ideas, or images. It may be words of praise, blessing, or thanksgiving. Tell God what you have discovered in yourself during your experience of pondering. Express your feelings and respond to what God has said to you.
Contemplatio - Heavenly Rest The stage of praying or talking with God resolves into a stage of quiet rest and mental silence. Rest in God's embrace. When words are no longer necessary, stop using them. Be still, and enjoy being in God's presence.
Other Resources:
Breath Prayers Prayer is far more than asking for what we want. Prayer is an openness to God's presence in our world, at work in our lives. Prayer is not primarily an obligation or duty but a living relationship. If we make prayer a mere discipline, we miss the sense of an ongoing journey of companionship with a God who can be our Best Friend, Wisest Counselor, and Loving Creator. One way to cultivate this sense of companionship is through silence, just being with God, not asking or telling God anything. Another approach is the "breath prayer", a short prayer phrase that can be carried in memory through the day. Imagine God asking you by name, "What do you most want?" Answer with whatever word or phrase comes from within you. Choose your favorite or most natural name for God. Combine these into a brief prayer of about 6 to 8 syllables:
What I Want My Name for God Possible Prayer Peace God Let me know your peace, O God Love Jesus Jesus, let me feel your love Rest Shepherd My Shepherd, let me rest in you Guidance Eternal Light Eternal Light, guide me in your way
Repeat the prayer for a few minutes, allowing the words to settle into a peaceful rhythm. Use the prayer during quiet minutes in the day or during daily activities such as doing, chores, taking a walk, waiting in traffic, etc.
Another form of breath prayer is to repeat a short verse from scripture. You can focus on different words as you repeat the verse. Here is a version in which words in the phrase are successively dropped:
Be still, and know that I am God
Be still, and know that I am
Be still, and know
Be still
Be
The art of praying, as we grow, is really the art of learning to waste time gracefully -- to be simply the clay in the hands of the potter. This may sound easy -- too easy to be true -- but it is really the most difficult thing we ever learn to do.
-- Thomas Green, When the Well Runs Dry Other Resources:
Holy Listening We are not alone on our spiritual journey, but in community. God offers us an incredibly valuable gift in one another. The development of close friendships helps us mature in faith. Listening deeply to another person can place us on sacred ground when we are aware that the one to whom we listen is a child of God, made in God's image. Think of a time when you really felt cared for. Chances are someone focused on what you had to say, was attentive to your needs, and listened to how you felt instead of telling you how you should feel or what you should do. Jesus was the model of a good listener. By listening to what people had to say, he demonstrated how much he cared about them. Remember the stories of the woman at the well, Nicodemus, or the disciples on the road to Emmaus. All were times when Jesus showed his care and concern by first listening to people then giving them what they needed. Listening is one of the most powerful ministry tools at our disposal. It demonstrates that you care about the other person. The suggestions below for such holy listening are from Stephen Ministry training; the approach is similar to the secular practice of "Deep Listening" or "Active Listening". Listening involves more than just words. Pay attention not only to what is said, but also to what is not said – or to what is said with a smile or a sigh. Pay attention to body language, too. Does it agree with or contradict a person’s spoken word? Good listeners aren’t completely silent. They restate key thoughts or ideas to be sure they understood correctly or they ask focused questions to encourage the person to reach a little deeper. Listening happens over time. One conversation might build upon an earlier one. As you listen over several conversations, are there any recurring themes or patterns in what the person has said? Are there any contradictions from what was said earlier? These are signs that there may be more to explore underneath. Listening is active. It takes energy and commitment to listen really well. Focus your attention on what the other person has to say, instead of thinking of what you’ll say next. Look at him or her while you listen, and nod along from time to time so the person knows you’re tuned in. Listening takes patience. Often you need to build trust before someone will open up to you. Constant, patient listening is a key. Listening is confidential. A great way to build that trust and to show the person you really care for him or her is to maintain confidentiality and not to share with others what was told to you in private conversation.
Basic Principles: - Open your spirit
- Imagine Jesus is sitting with you
- Clear your mind; quiet your thoughts and responses. Clarify ONLY if needed.
- Express your receptivity through your body language (eg, posture, eye contact, facial expression)
- Listen with your head and heart; be aware of mood and feelings being expressed in the spaces between the words
- Breathe little prayers appropriate to the conversation
- Close with appreciation
Other Resources:
Daily Examine (Examen) A daily prayer of "examine" or "examen" (pronounced ex'-uh-min) is a practice of briefly reviewing the past day's events in relation to God's presence. This ancient contemplative practice is attributed to Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. The examen prayer is primarily an exercise in remembering. The heart of the practice is becoming aware of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s movement throughout your day. It works well at the end of the day before going to bed, but can be used at other times of day as well. There are several steps in this practice, which, depending on the source, may be laid out in different ways. The practice includes: coming into God's presence, giving thanks, praying for illumination, reviewing the events of the day, and responding in contrition and hope. No matter how the steps are defined, the beauty of the practice is its simplicity; it is more a guide than a prescription. If some portion feels especially important on a given day, feel the freedom to spend all or most of your time in that portion. The purpose is to increase awareness and sensitivity, not to finish or accomplish a task. The descriptions below are synthesized from the sources listed in "Other Resources".
Awareness/Presence
Be comfortable somewhere; breath deeply and slowly; close your eyes if it helps. Begin the practice by recognizing that you are in the presence of God; remind yourself that God desires to be with you. Ask for awareness of God's presence, and pray for a spirit of openness and gratitude. To become more focused, it might help to repeat a simple phrase like the breath prayer described above. It’s important to begin this practice in a calm and centered state. Don't rush this portion; take the necessary time to wait and find comfort in God's presence.
Gratitude/Thanksgiving
Spend a moment in gratitude for this day's gifts. Let one or two points come to mind that delighted you today and still delight you now as you think back on them. Give thanks for God's presence in the big and the small things in your life. Be specific as special moments come to mind! Recall the smell of your morning coffee, a kind word or smile, a beautiful flower or sunset. Be in that moment again but don’t spend time or effort trying to explain it or analyze it; just be there once more, before it vanishes into the past. Give it to God with joy. Be thankful also for your strengths and gifts that help you and others through the day: your health, your sense of humor, family and friends, your patience. Remember that God gives you these to draw you into the fullness of life.
Illumination/Intention
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be honest with yourself, to look at your actions and attitudes with candor and patience. Ask to know what you really want for yourself today. The Spirit gives freedom to look at yourself without complacency or condemnation, and thus open to growth. Ask that you will learn and grow as you reflect, thus deepening your knowledge of self and your relationship with God.
Review/Examine
Now review your day. This is the longest of the steps. From getting up in the morning through all the commutes and journeys, meetings, encounters, frustrations, successes, hopes, disappointments, delights, hurts and events of the day, right up to this moment, let your day play back to you again. Recall the situations you've been in, noticing the details. The intent is to observe and remember, not to interpret, justify, or rationalize. But be aware of the positive and negative, “the warm spots and the cold spots”, what delighted you, and what left you saddened, annoyed, or angry. Many situations will show that your heart was divided -- wavering between helping and disregarding, scoffing and encouraging, listening and ignoring, rebuking and forgiving, speaking and silence, neglecting and thanking. Be objective in your you review. This is not a time to dwell on your shortcomings;it is a gentle look with the Lord at how you have responded to God's gifts. It is an opportunity for self growth and deepening your relationship with God.
Respond/Look Forward
The final step is a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Here you speak with Jesus about your day. You share your thoughts on your actions, attitudes, feelings and interactions. You may want to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, etc. Having reviewed this day, look at yourself with compassion. Finally, think ahead, look forward to your journey away from the place where you are this moment. Can you imagine tomorrow morning? What comes to mind, the same as most other days, or different? See in the imagination the place you will go to and how you will get there. Resolve with God's help to move forward in action where appropriate. What you are doing now is blessing the day ahead of you, because God has been with you throughout this reflection.
Other Resources |
