Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us (Transforming Resources)

Part of the liturgy for many churches includes the words “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.” This threefold pattern, known as the paschal mystery, describes how true transformation is found on the far side of detachment, relinquishment and letting go. Through many mini-crucifixions the life of Christ is born again in us. Chr

Before making a rule, take stock of your desires, natural rhythms, limits and times of closest connection to God. The following questions can provide you with insights about what is most important to you in a rule. (If the word rule makes you anxious, write a “rhythm for life.”)

WRITING A RULE

Yet experiences don’t necessarily bring wisdom, nor do they automatically transform us. We need to listen and reflect on our experiences in the presence of the Holy Spirit to learn from them. Journaling is a way of paying attention to our lives—a way of knitting the vast ball of our experiences into something with shape that attests to the state of

But when we value these things more than we value God, we end up worshiping secondary things. Secondary things can never satisfy core longings. Only a love relationship with our Creator can do that.

A rule for life is a simple statement of the regular rhythms we choose in order to present our bodies to God as our “spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1). Each rule, or rhythm, is a way we partner with God for the transformation only he can bring.

keeping company with Jesus no matter how little or much God speaks to me through his Word

Lean into God, trusting that being with him in silence will loosen your rootedness in the world and plant you by streams of living water. It can form your life even if it doesn’t solve your life. The anonymous author of The Way of the Pilgrim wrote, “I need peace and silence to give free play to this quickening flame of prayer.” Let the silence lea

The very first thing Jesus asked his soon-to-be disciples was, “What do you want?” (John 1:37). Over and over again he asked about desires: “What is it you want?” (Matthew 20:21) “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32; Mark 10:36, 51) “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) Jesus knew you wouldn’t get well if you didn’t want the responsi