spiritual practices
Rhythms of resistance that help us to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
It is our prayer that we would be abiding missionaries – that we would know how dearly beloved we are by the Father and make our home (abide) in that love throughout our days. Then, from a place of deep restedness in the Father’s love, that we would be motivated to share the good news of his love in word and deed with our friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Spiritual practices to help us to do that – to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. As a church and in Citizens Communities, we are collectively engaging in several spiritual practices this year. The resources below are a summary of practices that Citizens Communities have engaged together over the year. The introduction gives an explanation of the practice and the one-page summary can be used when engaging a practice on your own. We invite you to try out these practices and be at home in the love of God.
Q3 2023 - SABBATH (BE WITH JESUS)
Spiritual practice that helps us to stop, delight, rest, and worship.
Q4 2022 - HOSPITALITY (DO WHAT JESUS DID)
Spiritual practice that helps us receive the ways God has welcomed and embraced us, and extend the love of God to others.
Q3 2022 - PRAYER (BE WITH JESUS)
ACTS PRAYER
Prayer practice that helps us move through adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication – based on the Lord’s Prayer.
Listening PRAYER
Prayer practice that helps us quiet our whole selves to hear from God, as we embrace prayer as dialogue rather than a monologue.
Q2 2022 - SERVICE (DO WHAT JESUS DID)
HE SERVED US FIRST
Like the disciples, in order to serve others we must first allow ourselves to be served by Jesus. This individual reflection practice provides an opportunity to consider the specific ways that Jesus has served us.
THE WAY OF JESUS
How do we win over those who speak evil against us? We serve them. We bless them. We do good to the one who does evil to us. This individual practice is an invitation to practice the way of Jesus through tangibly loving an “enemy.”
Q1 2022 - BIBLE READING (BE WITH JESUS)
Lectio Divina
Bible meditation practice that helps us to slow down, enjoy God’s presence, and hear his particular, loving word to us at a particular moment in time.
Immanuel Journaling
Journaling practice to engage in response to Bible reading that helps us to open our hearts to God and hear his loving concern for us.
THE FOUR QUESTIONS
Bible study practice that helps us to read the Bible in a grace-based way by lifting our eyes to consider who God is as we ask 4 simple questions of every text.