Daily Practices – Week 1 – Day 3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmNWetH8cdQ]

THEME: The resurrection is more than an event, it’s a way of life.

GRACE: Lord, help me experience Your power in my daily life.

Settling in:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with a few moments of silence. Rest, and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: *Today, I feel ________________.
• Read these words slowly (aloud or silently):

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2, MSG)

• Pause for a few moments of silence.

Practice:

• Choose one of the following practices.

Option 1: Solitude* [5-10 minutes]

Spend at least five minutes in silence and solitude. If that’s not possible right now, look at your daily schedule and find dedicated space to be completely alone and quiet. This could be outdoors, in a car, in an office or a quiet corner at home.

When you practice your time of solitude, turn off all technology, music and distraction. Put your phone away and simply be still. It might help to write down in your journal any distracting thoughts that come to mind.

Don’t bring any specific questions or thoughts into your time; simply rest with God in the silence. (Warning: this can be uncomfortable at first, but extremely life-giving… start with a few minutes and don’t give up!)

When you are finished, open your journal and answer these questions:

1. How did this experience make me feel?
2. Did any thoughts come to mind that surprised me?
3. Are there potential moments of silence in my life that I typically avoid or crowd out? If so, why?

Option 2: Solitude* [10-30 minutes]

Find a place where you can be alone, and spend an extended time in complete silence. It may help to move for a portion of your time (walk, jog, etc.) to help you stay awake!

Don’t bring any specific questions or thoughts into your time, simply rest with God in the silence.

When you are finished, open your journal and answer these questions:

1. What thoughts or feelings came to mind that were especially important or surprising?
2. As the time went on, was it easier or more difficult to enjoy the solitude? Why?
3. Did the Lord say anything specific to you during this time? If so, what was it, and what do you think He might be calling you to do in response?

• Summary: Write a brief summary (five sentences or less) of what you discovered during your time of solitude.
• Closing Prayer: Lord, help me experience Your power in my daily life.

* If this experience is difficult or uncomfortable, don’t worry– you’re on the right path. In our busy, noisy world, solitude definitely requires “practice.” However, if we can regularly quiet the noise of life enough to listen, we begin to notice both the voice of God and the voice of our own soul, both of which are essential in our spiritual journey.

Questions? Please email us at info@parishanglican.org