Take A Different Approach
Laura Longville
A little peace, serenity, and hope are needed right now. We are navigating the best we can through the circumstances before us. Our hope is that through this blog post you will find a few simple tools to help you through your day.
The intent is not to overwhelm you, but to equip you. Since the first of the year, we’ve been introducing a spiritual practice (AKA Practice of Grace) each week. The idea is to make intentional time for you and God; just like you do with close friendships.
I know our current situation is filled with uncertainty. Yet God is constant, consistent, and unfailing. Now is a good time to do something different that will strengthen and deepen your relationship with Him. To remind you of His goodness and love.
Below you will find a few options to try. Pick one and implement the practice into your life for a week or so. Take a different approach to these trying times and do something empowering. More towards God in a new way. Maybe you can discover something refreshing about you and God.
For some, it may be difficult to do one more thing because you’ve got too much on your plate. If you’re a parent of small children, you may not have the time. If you’re working in the medical field and caring directly for COVID-19 patients, we pray for you. If you are an essential worker, we thank you all.
Our prayer:
May you feel Strength when you run out.
May you find Hope when you’ve lost it.
May you know you are Loved, when in doubt.
If you want to know more about each practice, click on the link provided.
PRACTICE OF GRACE #1-MAKE SPACE
It’s about priorities. Make time for God. YOU a worth it and God LOVES it! Read more
PRACTICE OF GRACE #2-WHAT IS IT YOU WANT?
Adele Calhoun says, “Learn from Jesus as he keeps company with people who want something. Watch him attend to the hole in their heart that is bigger than the galaxy. Many of his deepest interactions with people get at two things: (1) the true nature of people’s desires and (2) a spiritual practice that helps them make space for God in their lives.” Read more
A time between time is a…. pause. Where we stop one thing before we begin another. This spiritual practice is meant to center us and make us conscious of what we’re about to do. It helps us be present to the God who is present to us. Read more
PRACTICE OF GRACE # 4 - WORSHIP YOUR WAY
The Holy Spirit knows the spiritual practices, relationships, and experiences that best suit your unique communion with him. He knows how to help you move into the unforced rhythms of grace that Jesus offers in Matt.11: 28-30.
It’s kind of like Burger King, “Have it Your Way.” Read more
PRACTICE OF GRACE #5-DEVOTIONAL READING
Devotional reading exists to further our companionship with God, it really slows us down to be with the person of Scripture. It’ simple, yet profound. Read more
PRACTICE OF GRACE #6-ATTENTIVENESS
The heart of prayer is to give God our full attention. When we live in a culture of multi-tasking with numerous demands screaming at us and the uncertainty COVID-19 brings to us; attentiveness is fleeting. Read more
Being overextended causes physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion. For some of us, it’s become a way of life. When we burn the candle at both ends, we ruin our families, damage our souls, and get sick. Stress and lack of adequate rest have a lasting impact! Read more
PRACTICE OF GRACE #8 -BREATH PRAYER
This practice of grace is uncomplicated. It’s as easy as breathing. We all (this side of heaven) need to breathe so you can be encouraged that this simple spiritual discipline called, The Breath Prayer can bring life in so many ways.
Why not use breath as a practice of being more present to ourselves and God? Read more