I just started reading a great book by one of my favorite authors, Brian McLaren. The book is entitled, "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices." There are ancient ways that can teach us to practice peace, joy, self-mastery, and justice. The old disciplines--fasting, contemplative prayer, simplicity, meditation, solitude, silence, observing the holy days--do for our souls what exercise does for our bodies or study does for our minds.
These ancient practices are the means by which we prepare for grace to surprise us. They are the habits by which our souls grow strong; actions of the mind, body, and will that close the gap between the character we want to possess and the character we currently have.
I'll post more as I continue reading...
3 comments:
Since June the Lord has been focusing my attention on these disciplines that you mentioned. He began reminding me of being still and waiting in His Presence. A DVD based on the principle of being still and knowing God challenged me and created an intense hunger to experience God through contemplative prayer and silence. Pastor Ron asked us this morning if we had seen Jesus's face. He encouraged us to nourish sensitivity to His appearing so that we will be aware of His visits. Waiting for Him to show up is worth the waiting time. I hope that I, as Pastor Ron said, will recognize Him when He shows up. I want to be more like Mary who opted to sit at Jesus's feet, "rapt in His Words and His Holy Presence"(Goll 5). How exciting this adventure is with a God so amazing and so divine!
This is what the Lord says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and
walk in it,
and you will find rest for
your souls."
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Pastor Ron challenged us today to pursue excellence as individuals and as a church. Mediocrity and being lukewarm are not acceptable. We must rise above the ordinary, let go of anything that is hindering our striving for excellence, and discipline ourselves making a plan and working that plan. His statement, "Be bold enough to let go of lesser things so that I can go after what is best," challenges me to be intentional in my Christian pursuit of excellence. The disciplines you mention in this book are a significant part of the plan and are a part of working out our own salvation.
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