Monday

Journalling

Today we would like you to take some time to reflect on the church and your understanding of the ways it has formed and changed over time. Think of the world and how many different walks the Lord takes with people everyday. For this journaling exercise we would like you to answer the question: 
                      

What does it mean to you to be part of a Christian tradition that has room for so many ways of loving, worshiping and serving God?

                                                       

    

Tuesday

Gratitude

Today we want to invite you to rest in your gratitude and be present with the things you’re thankful for. Take some time to write a list of the things that you are grateful for right now. When you are done, sit and look over your list.             
          

Where did God show up in these moments? Did it take you a while to think of some of the things you’re grateful for? Why? Take a moment to talk with God about your list and what things came up for you.

                                                       

    

Wednesday

Breath Prayer

How do you feel about the quiet? Silence can sometimes feel very loud and other times it is the peace we didn't know we needed. Today wherever you find yourself on this spectrum we want to carve out some time to be intentionally quiet with God. Find a comfortable place around your home where you will be able to focus for 10 minutes without distraction. Once settled, begin taking deep breaths– as you inhale say “In you” and on the exhale “there's peace ”. Feel free to close your eyes if that helps you focus and try to do this prayer for 5-10 minutes. Allow yourself to relax and focus on the phrases and your breath.                                                                                                                  

    

Thursday

Worship

How do you respond to worship? Does it feel natural to sing along and raise your hands? Do you find yourself contemplating the words and simply taking it in? Today as you listen to Mission House- Living Water sit with the lyrics and allow yourself to ponder the richness and truth that they speak of. Is it an easy truth? Let this lead you into a time of prayer.                                                       

    

Friday

Lean In

How does it feel to be in your body? Do you feel connected to your breath or do the rhythms of life sometimes pass you by? As you sit in place today take some time to rest your hands in your lap, on your stomach, on your heart etc. Take some deep breaths and focus on the rhythms that are happening. Lean into the quiet. What do you notice as you spend time focusing on your breath and body? How does connecting to your body help you connect to God?                                                       

    

Week of April 17th, 2023

Ready for what's next?

Contemplations
Examen | The Garden of Your Soul

“The Examen.” This is a practice that combines prayer and reflection that essentially distills to two questions: “Where did I sense God? And where did I sense God missing?” 

Activities
Practicing Love | Christmas Cards

I wonder how many of us are looking at the weeks ahead, and feeling like love is going to be pretty hard, in some situations. That maybe we’ll be in encounters – whether at family dinners, work parties, even extra time at home – with people we actually find it hard to love... 

Recommended Resources
Spiritual Pathways Assessment

God doesn’t create people in cookie-cutter fashion. Each of us is unique. As a result, different kinds of experiences make us feel closer to God. Spiritual pathways help us identify the ways we most naturally connect with God. There are a total of seven pathways. Most people gravitate toward one or two of them.