Christian Spirituality Part 2
Confirmation Class - March 26, 2007
Assignment 2, Christian Spirituality
Let’s begin with a prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my Saviour: forgive my sins and set me free.
Lord Jesus, you are my teacher: teach me wisdom and guide me to truth.
Lord Jesus, you are my Lord: be at the center of my life.
Lord Jesus, you are my friend and guide: hear my prayers and give me your comfort. Amen.
You are unique! This isn’t news to you or to anyone – but sometimes we need to repeat it to ourselves. We need to remind ourselves about our own uniqueness because we are each a child of God, and yet we all come together to work and worship. How can we do that – given our individual strengths and weaknesses?
The scripture writer Paul, used the image of the physical body to explain this. Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. He writes that although we may each be a different “part” we can all work together to make a strong body – in effect – a body of Christ here on earth.
So, we each are unique and each have different gifts! Again, this isn’t rocket science! I used to love math but really hated English class – but my sister was born to write. How could we possibly be sisters, in the same family… different gifts – unique! So, it’s the same when we talk about our “spiritual” life. My sister and I have different “spiritual” gifts but we are each working together to bring glory to God.
The history of the Christian Church since the time of its beginning can be seen to follow the teachings of Jesus and his disciples. There are basically six ways in which people have come to express this “following”. Here’s what the Renovare program says:
The history of the Church has been marked by movements, a word used to describe how God’s Spirit has moved upon individuals and groups of people with a particular mission. Usually such a movement has emphasized one of six traditions – bringing a focused renewal to the church.
1. In the fourth century men and women fled city life to begin cloisters and monasteries where they emphasized the importance of solitude, meditation, and prayer. The Church was strengthened by their emphasis upon the intimacy with God, and a Contemplative Movement was born.
2. In the early 18th century John Wesley and his friends formed a group nicknamed “the Holy Club” and began to focus on “morals” and the need for Christians to overcome sinful habits. They developed a “method” and the Church once again took sin seriously. The purifying effects of the Methodist effort were dramatic, and it became the Holiness Movement.
3. In the 17th century the Church witnessed a new outbreak of the Holy Spirit in the lives of men and women who were called “Quakers”, led by the ministry of George Fox. The active presence of the Spirit in the lives of believers became the overpowering principle behind scores of conversions. The active role of the spirit was at the center of their worship, and it propelled them to evangelism, missions, and social concern. This is an example of the Charismatic Movement.
4. In the late 12th century Francis of Assisi and a group of followers abandoned their former lives and went about the Italian countryside, caring for the sick, the poor and the lame. Countless men and women followed Francis’ lead, forming the Franciscan and Poor Clare Orders. Their impact on disease and poverty was remarkable, and they became an example of a Social Justice Movement.
5. In the 16th century Martin Luther and others proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ after discovering its message anew in the Bible. This message of hope and victory was expressed by clergy and laity in sermons and mission efforts. In the Church it was a wonderful example of the Evangelical Movement.
6. In the 18th century a man named Zinzendorf built a village on his estate. Initially divided, the group who gathered in this community became unified when they experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Zinzendorf led them in daily Bible studies and in formulating the “Brotherly Agreement”. These later became known as the Moravians and they joyfully served God – praying, evangelizing and helping others – in the midst of baking, teaching, weaving and raising families. This is an example of an Incarnational Movement.
Six examples of different communities all of whom serve and worship God. Our end goal is the same but each group emphasizes a particular strength or “method”.
Contemplatives - quiet meditation and focus on the mystery of God’s work
Holiness - focusing on a virtuous and healthy life, turning again and again from sin and any action that calls us to move away from God’s grace and love.
Charismatic - waiting for the “sound” of God’s call to us and focusing on the power of God’s Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.
Social Justice - finding a way to serve God by serving those in need.
Evangelical - God’s Word through Holy Scripture is the message and the focus of all work and worship.
Incarnational - Living out daily life, acknowledging that all we do – is done to bring glory to God.
So, here’s the question for you to consider. Do you feel that you are drawn to one “movement” or another given your own personality? If you could start your own “Movement” what might its focus or work be?
So the Assignment is to pick one of the following six which appeals to you and then answer the accompanying question.
Contemplative Movement read the passage Mark 14:32-36 Jesus often “went out to pray” and here in the garden Jesus prays knowing that the journey to the cross is just ahead of him. How do you think that his prayer connected him to God?
Try writing a personal prayer to God (this can be a private exercise), or try praying each day for 5 minutes dedicated to silence with and in the presence of God.
Holiness Movement read Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus was tempted as we have been, to do what he wanted to get him out of a bad situation. Have you ever been tempted to do something that you knew wasn’t “life giving” – and how did you respond? Do you think that connecting to God at that decision-making moment may have helped?
Try “Going a day without saying anything negative or anything dishonest.”
Charismatic Movement read John 14:15-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 Jesus reminded his friends that when he was gone from them they would have an “advocate”. Have you ever had a friend be an advocate for you – or stand up for you? Have you ever been an advocate for someone else? How was that experience a “life-giving” one for you? Have you ever known God’s presence with you at any time – giving you support or strength, how has that made the connection between you and God seem stronger?
Try thinking of which of the “gifts of the spirit” best describes you and which one of them you may need to work on (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
Social Justice Movement read Matthew 25:31 – 46 Jesus asks us to be attentive to the things we do in life, keeping in mind the needs of others. Have you ever found yourself caring for some one else? Has someone reached out to help you? Would it make a difference to you if the person you were helping was “Jesus in disguise?”
Try reaching out to someone this week in a way that is helpful and caring – write an encouraging letter or help someone who needs a hand.
Evangelical Movement read Luke 4:16-20; 42-44 Jesus read the scriptures (the bible) to the members of his church and it was as if they were hearing it for the first time. Have you ever heard a reading and had a “light bulb” go off in your head – like “yeah, that makes sense!” Were you ever part of a youth group or Sunday School class and heard a bible story that really seemed to make particular sense or spoke to a situation in your life? How about a video (like a Veggie Tale? Or something else) that gave you an insight about God or your relationship with others? What did you learn or remember as significant?
Try reading one of the shorter books of the bible out loud – try one of Paul’s letters (for example, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Timothy, Thessalonians). How do you think that the early Christians would respond to hearing this for the first time?
Incarnational Movement read Luke 13:10-17 Jesus taught his followers that there was no time that was “incorrect” for doing God’s work – and this included time at work or school or play. Here’s a particular situation: Winter Break is a time of Christmas for Christians and Spring Break is a time of Good Friday and Easter for Christians. How do you celebrate these “holy times” in the midst of a society which wants to keep the “religious side out of it”. Do you think this is a good idea?
Try this week to bring God into every decision and deed that you do. Take a moment to receive Holy Communion and know that God is filling you for service. What will you do with this gift?
If you’ve come this far – congratulations! Just to sign off here’s a prayer that has been a favorite for many: Footprints in the Sand
This poem was originally written in 1939 by Mary Stevenson.
There have been a couple other versions since then by other poets in addition to the 'author unknown' edition.
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
Assignment 2, Christian Spirituality
Let’s begin with a prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my Saviour: forgive my sins and set me free.
Lord Jesus, you are my teacher: teach me wisdom and guide me to truth.
Lord Jesus, you are my Lord: be at the center of my life.
Lord Jesus, you are my friend and guide: hear my prayers and give me your comfort. Amen.
You are unique! This isn’t news to you or to anyone – but sometimes we need to repeat it to ourselves. We need to remind ourselves about our own uniqueness because we are each a child of God, and yet we all come together to work and worship. How can we do that – given our individual strengths and weaknesses?
The scripture writer Paul, used the image of the physical body to explain this. Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. He writes that although we may each be a different “part” we can all work together to make a strong body – in effect – a body of Christ here on earth.
So, we each are unique and each have different gifts! Again, this isn’t rocket science! I used to love math but really hated English class – but my sister was born to write. How could we possibly be sisters, in the same family… different gifts – unique! So, it’s the same when we talk about our “spiritual” life. My sister and I have different “spiritual” gifts but we are each working together to bring glory to God.
The history of the Christian Church since the time of its beginning can be seen to follow the teachings of Jesus and his disciples. There are basically six ways in which people have come to express this “following”. Here’s what the Renovare program says:
The history of the Church has been marked by movements, a word used to describe how God’s Spirit has moved upon individuals and groups of people with a particular mission. Usually such a movement has emphasized one of six traditions – bringing a focused renewal to the church.
1. In the fourth century men and women fled city life to begin cloisters and monasteries where they emphasized the importance of solitude, meditation, and prayer. The Church was strengthened by their emphasis upon the intimacy with God, and a Contemplative Movement was born.
2. In the early 18th century John Wesley and his friends formed a group nicknamed “the Holy Club” and began to focus on “morals” and the need for Christians to overcome sinful habits. They developed a “method” and the Church once again took sin seriously. The purifying effects of the Methodist effort were dramatic, and it became the Holiness Movement.
3. In the 17th century the Church witnessed a new outbreak of the Holy Spirit in the lives of men and women who were called “Quakers”, led by the ministry of George Fox. The active presence of the Spirit in the lives of believers became the overpowering principle behind scores of conversions. The active role of the spirit was at the center of their worship, and it propelled them to evangelism, missions, and social concern. This is an example of the Charismatic Movement.
4. In the late 12th century Francis of Assisi and a group of followers abandoned their former lives and went about the Italian countryside, caring for the sick, the poor and the lame. Countless men and women followed Francis’ lead, forming the Franciscan and Poor Clare Orders. Their impact on disease and poverty was remarkable, and they became an example of a Social Justice Movement.
5. In the 16th century Martin Luther and others proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ after discovering its message anew in the Bible. This message of hope and victory was expressed by clergy and laity in sermons and mission efforts. In the Church it was a wonderful example of the Evangelical Movement.
6. In the 18th century a man named Zinzendorf built a village on his estate. Initially divided, the group who gathered in this community became unified when they experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Zinzendorf led them in daily Bible studies and in formulating the “Brotherly Agreement”. These later became known as the Moravians and they joyfully served God – praying, evangelizing and helping others – in the midst of baking, teaching, weaving and raising families. This is an example of an Incarnational Movement.
Six examples of different communities all of whom serve and worship God. Our end goal is the same but each group emphasizes a particular strength or “method”.
Contemplatives - quiet meditation and focus on the mystery of God’s work
Holiness - focusing on a virtuous and healthy life, turning again and again from sin and any action that calls us to move away from God’s grace and love.
Charismatic - waiting for the “sound” of God’s call to us and focusing on the power of God’s Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.
Social Justice - finding a way to serve God by serving those in need.
Evangelical - God’s Word through Holy Scripture is the message and the focus of all work and worship.
Incarnational - Living out daily life, acknowledging that all we do – is done to bring glory to God.
So, here’s the question for you to consider. Do you feel that you are drawn to one “movement” or another given your own personality? If you could start your own “Movement” what might its focus or work be?
So the Assignment is to pick one of the following six which appeals to you and then answer the accompanying question.
Contemplative Movement read the passage Mark 14:32-36 Jesus often “went out to pray” and here in the garden Jesus prays knowing that the journey to the cross is just ahead of him. How do you think that his prayer connected him to God?
Try writing a personal prayer to God (this can be a private exercise), or try praying each day for 5 minutes dedicated to silence with and in the presence of God.
Holiness Movement read Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus was tempted as we have been, to do what he wanted to get him out of a bad situation. Have you ever been tempted to do something that you knew wasn’t “life giving” – and how did you respond? Do you think that connecting to God at that decision-making moment may have helped?
Try “Going a day without saying anything negative or anything dishonest.”
Charismatic Movement read John 14:15-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 Jesus reminded his friends that when he was gone from them they would have an “advocate”. Have you ever had a friend be an advocate for you – or stand up for you? Have you ever been an advocate for someone else? How was that experience a “life-giving” one for you? Have you ever known God’s presence with you at any time – giving you support or strength, how has that made the connection between you and God seem stronger?
Try thinking of which of the “gifts of the spirit” best describes you and which one of them you may need to work on (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
Social Justice Movement read Matthew 25:31 – 46 Jesus asks us to be attentive to the things we do in life, keeping in mind the needs of others. Have you ever found yourself caring for some one else? Has someone reached out to help you? Would it make a difference to you if the person you were helping was “Jesus in disguise?”
Try reaching out to someone this week in a way that is helpful and caring – write an encouraging letter or help someone who needs a hand.
Evangelical Movement read Luke 4:16-20; 42-44 Jesus read the scriptures (the bible) to the members of his church and it was as if they were hearing it for the first time. Have you ever heard a reading and had a “light bulb” go off in your head – like “yeah, that makes sense!” Were you ever part of a youth group or Sunday School class and heard a bible story that really seemed to make particular sense or spoke to a situation in your life? How about a video (like a Veggie Tale? Or something else) that gave you an insight about God or your relationship with others? What did you learn or remember as significant?
Try reading one of the shorter books of the bible out loud – try one of Paul’s letters (for example, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Timothy, Thessalonians). How do you think that the early Christians would respond to hearing this for the first time?
Incarnational Movement read Luke 13:10-17 Jesus taught his followers that there was no time that was “incorrect” for doing God’s work – and this included time at work or school or play. Here’s a particular situation: Winter Break is a time of Christmas for Christians and Spring Break is a time of Good Friday and Easter for Christians. How do you celebrate these “holy times” in the midst of a society which wants to keep the “religious side out of it”. Do you think this is a good idea?
Try this week to bring God into every decision and deed that you do. Take a moment to receive Holy Communion and know that God is filling you for service. What will you do with this gift?
If you’ve come this far – congratulations! Just to sign off here’s a prayer that has been a favorite for many: Footprints in the Sand
This poem was originally written in 1939 by Mary Stevenson.
There have been a couple other versions since then by other poets in addition to the 'author unknown' edition.
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
posted by SMK at
11:45 a.m.
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