Daily Practices – Week 6 – Day 1

THEME: Living like Jesus means loving like Jesus.

GRACE: Lord, give me eyes to see others the way that You see them.

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):

A friend loves at all times,

   and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)

• Pause for a few moments of silence.

Practice:

• Choose one of the following practices.

Option 1: Spiritual Friendship [5-30 minutes]

Take a few minutes and do a “friend inventory.” Open your journal, and for the next two minutes list out the names of your friends.

Once you have completed your list, look over the names and answer the questions below in your journal:

1. Are there any similarities that you notice among your group of friends? What do they all (or mostly) have in common?
2. Would you characterize any of your friends as “different” from the rest? This could be in their appearance, socio-economic status, background, beliefs, etc.
3. Is there anyone on your list that you have strongly disagreed with, in the past or in the present moment? If so, how have you maintained a friendship despite your disagreements?

Take a moment to reflect on your answers. In a moment of stillness, ask God, “How can my friendships better reflect the oneness of Your kingdom?”

Option 2: Spiritual Friendship [30-60 minutes]

Begin by completing the “friend inventory” listed above.

When you are finished, look at the list you created and circle the friends that you might consider “spiritual friends.” These are people who know about what God is doing in Your spiritual journey and encourage you in your spiritual growth. If you do not currently have those relationships, circle one or two people who might become spiritual friends.

In order to develop these relationships, we must sacrificially invest our time and effort. With your remaining time today, choose one of these friends and reach out to them. Schedule a time for the two of you to get together and talk. Let them know that you’d like to talk about what God has been teaching you in your practices, and to hear what God has been doing in their life as well.

Put the “spiritual friendship” appointment on your calendar, and spend a few minutes praying for them before you close your time.

• Summary: Write a brief summary (five sentences or less) of what challenges you the most in the practice of spiritual friendship.
• Closing Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see others the way that You see them.

Questions? Please email us at info@parishanglican.org