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I just finished reading a book by Brian McLaren about spiritual practices that really inspired me.  The book reminded me that ancient Christinaty was often referred to as “the Way.”  The Way was not a set of beliefs, but a way of life - a path learned by following Jesus. 

In the book, Rev. McLaren looked at some ancient spiritual practices and how they helped to teach people how to live out this different way of being in the world - living out God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion in all things.  Some of the practices are already important to me - like Sabbath keeping.  Some of them intrigue me and I want to give them a try - like fixed hour prayer.  And others hold no interest for me at all - like pilgrimages.  But what I love about all of the many spiritual practices discussed in the book is that they are ways for us to PRACTICE our faith - to actively work at it, get stronger in it, and to build up our spiritual muscles so that we are better able to be the loving people God created us to be.  Here are a few examples of some spiritual practices you might want to try (if you haven’t already):

  • Saying an ancient prayer said by our ancestors (like the Lord’s prayer or others) to start and end your day.
  • Memorizing a meaningful verse from scripture and reciting it throughout the day.
  • Fasting - giving up some type of food or drink as a regular reminder to turn away from greed and turn towards gratitude and generosity.
  • Setting aside 30 minutes of quiet time to simply sit with God.  No talking, just listening.

My favorite chapter in the book, however, came towards the end and was about an idea called “Faithing our Practices.”  Recognizing that many people are already over-extended and have too much to do with too little time, the author invites us to consider the things we are already doing in our lives and how we might turn them into spiritual practices.  I am giving this a try in my own life in a variety of ways:

  • Praying over the laundry - as I fold clothes for members of my family, I pray for them and fold my prayers into the fabric.  An annoying chore directs my heart and mind to love.
  • Praying in traffic - when stuck in traffic I try to pray for the cause of the delay.  I pray for the laborers working on a project that closed one lane, pray for the 1st responders tending to an accident, or pray for all the families rushing their kids to school at the same time as me.  In the praying, I find patience rooted in compassion, where before there had only been irritation.
  • Grateful tending - As I brush the dog I give thanks to God for the unconditional love our pets give to our family.  A reminder of the unconditional love God gives and an invitation to love others more completely.
  • A moment of blessing - As I wake up my kids when they’ve overslept I take a moment to offer a blessing (you are a blessed and loved child of God) rather than words of frantic frustration.  This small gesture reminds me of what is important and reminds them of who they are.
  • A mindful walk - As I walk through the neighborhood I look for God in the trees and flowers, in the people mowing their lawns or raking their leaves, in the wind blowing my hair and caressing my cheek.  Looking at the things I walk or drive by every day in a new way makes me more aware of God’s presence in all things and my connection to all of God’s good creation.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t always remember to do these things, but I am practicing!  And I love how every little part of our day can become an opportunity to live more fully into The Way - the path of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Jesus calls us to.  So, give it a try!  Look at the regular practices in your day to day life and look for ways that they might become faith practices.  And let me know how it goes!  Email me at pastorheather@hclchurch.com.  I would love to hear about creative ways that you are practicing your faith or faithing your practices.