So, as we seek to live out our Discipleship during the week what does this look like? How do we start? Where do we start?
First of all, we choose and strive to have an awareness of God’s presence with us everywhere we go. Paul teaches us that in Christ we “live, move, and have our being”, and that we are indwelt with the person of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8, the Spirit connecting us to the very being of God and his power in our lives”). We are told in I Thessalonians 5 that we should go through our day in a prayerful state of mind:
16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Secondly, we set time aside for prayer, scripture reading/reflection, and meditation. It is one thing to read scripture or listen to a homily. It is completely another to reflect on how that scripture and/or teaching can help shape our character, beliefs, and life. Sometimes the meditation we engage may be necessary before we begin our prayer so that we can put the random swirling thoughts and many responsibilities aside and rest in the “peace that passes all understanding.” Other times, we may need meditation after our time of prayer and/or Scripture reading to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s clarity and applicational wisdom.
Thirdly, set this time of prayer aside daily, at the same time of the day, and for a specified amount of time. I often tell new believers that it is better to start with only five minutes a day than too long of a time which makes things harder in the beginning. The hope is to develop good habits and see your time expand organically. Don’t rely on willpower first of all, but first ask the Lord to strengthen and help you in this discipline.
Lastly, get help from a spiritual guide for the best ways to accomplish these spiritual disciplines, or if you have engaged in these disciplines for a long time, inquire of a spiritually mature person how you might approach your personal prayer life in some fresh and meaningful ways. Your priest is always a good place to start.
Next time we will investigate some resources that can aid us as we seek to develop a life of prayer.
See you Sunday,
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Choir Meet/Practice
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM, in the choir/organ loft
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, 8/10/24, 8:00 AM
Women’s Conference
Saturday, 9/7/24, 9 AM – 3 PM at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Springfield, IL.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 10th at 8:00 AM. Come join us for good food and Morning Prayer.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 7TH
Please see the bulletin board outside the church office for information regarding Women’s Day at the Cathedral to be held on Saturday, September 7th, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM sponsored by our Diocese and led by Denise Burgess (our Bishop’s wife).
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH
We are looking to fill our need for a part-time Office Administrator, and it has been our policy and preference to hire outside of our church membership. If you know of any potential candidates, please see the bulletin board outside of the church office or the below link: Part-time Office Administrator Needed
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
As we look for a new Office Administrator, please feel free to e-mail and call the office as usual. Emails to the office will be answered more readily, but Fr. Tom will also be checking voicemail. The general office hours will be Tuesday – Thursday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, but it is always best to call first if you are going to stop by, as Fr. Tom’s schedule can change readily depending on need or context.