Posts Tagged ‘definition’
Listening Prayer
When we engage in listening prayer, we are taking the time to be quiet in God’s presence in a posture of open readiness to receive His words and respond. God is in the driver seat, and we acknowledge that we can’t force him to saying something. We surrender to His terms and His timing. We…
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Prayer of Examen
The Prayer of Examen is a time of regular self-examination with God. Under God’s leading in prayer and listening we discern our faithfulness in following Christ throughout our daily activity. This is not a time for self-condemnation but for discernment of where one was in step or not in step with the Holy Spirit. The movements…
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Centering Prayer
Centering prayer can also be identified as “silent prayer” or “prayer without words.” It is the practice of gazing on God who gazes on us in love. The word “centering” is used to emphasize focusing one’s attention and senses on the presence of God. It grants us permission to detach from thoughts and emotions that…
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Awareness
“Practicing the presence” has become a catchy phrase in the Christian world, but what does it actually mean when someone uses it? At the core, practicing the presence involves cultivating a way of life that enables us to become aware of and be present to the God who calls himself “Immanuel, God with us.” God…
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Abiding in Christ
An ongoing, lifegiving connection with Christ and His love that results in fruit, joy, and glory to God. Living in His love includes our responsibility to continue interacting with His Word, keeping His commandments, and conversing (prayer) with Him. Biblical References: Ps. 90:1; John 15:4-11, 16:13-15, Acts 17:28; 1 John 2:24ff For more on abiding…
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Spiritual Pathways
by Joy McAuley How many personality type assessments are you familiar with? Have those assessments been helpful in understanding how you respond, operate and think? What kind of personal or professional growth has come from learning more about how you are made? The Birkman, Myers-Briggs, Strengths Finder, Enneagram, to name a few, show us that…
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Meditation
Meditation involves ruminating, pausing, wondering, contemplating, and reflecting on an idea or subject. In Christian meditation we focus on an aspect of God, his work and/or his Word allowing ourselves to profoundly taste and see the goodness of God. Through meditation our understanding deepens and strengthens within our soul. Although it’s not essential you might…
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Spiritual Friendship
Spiritual friends are soul friends. Their love for each other translates into a desire that the other settle for nothing less than becoming all that he or she was intended to be. This means that they care for each other as whole people, not simply as spiritual beings. Friends become spiritual friends when they seek…
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Sabbath
Practicing sabbath is a rhythm of rest in which we lay down our work and our worries to delight in God and celebrate His love. Sabbath has as its purpose rest, restoration, renewal as expressed in the commands for Sabbath, Sabbatical year, and Jubilee (Lev. 25)). It is an opportunity stop or cease and let…
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Lectio Divina
Also called meditative or devotional reading, this practice allows us to listen to what God is speaking to us personally through His word. Take your time going through these 6 steps: •Silencio/Silence — Before reading the passage, take 1-2 minutes to transition from what you were just doing to be present right now to God…
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