As I mentioned in last
week’s post, I’ve started my journey through The
Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language, written by
Thomas A Kempis and updated by James N. Watkins. And as I also noted, the
original version had a significant impact on The Jesuits founder, St. Ignatius
of Loyola. The lessons inspired him to compile his own spiritual disciplines. They are about going deeper in our
daily faith practices and enriching our faith.
These lessons are still inspiring others in the 21st Century. One such believer, Karen
Beattie, discovered these spiritual disciplines when she started taking a
closer look at some of the most recognizable Christians in history who
practiced daily spiritual disciplines. She was desperately trying to find God
in the details of her life when she discovered them during a church retreat.
What she learned changed her view of her daily walk with God, and her life.
This is how she outlines the steps you can take daily to see your life more clearly, and help you to live more
intentionally.
Become
aware of God’s presence by looking back on the events of
the day. Ask God to give you clarity and understanding.
Review
your day with gratitude by focusing on the day’s
gifts. Notice the small things—God is in the details.
Pay
attention to your emotions. St. Ignatius believed that
we detect the presence of God in the movements of our emotions. By reflecting
on our feelings we can become more aware of ways God is leading us.
Choose
one feature of the day and pray from it. Ask
the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is
particularly important.
Look
toward tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Seek
God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.
After practicing these disciplines,
Beattie was able to see God in everything—both the simple and the complex; the
joy and the heartache. The disciplines help you stay alert to God and not
overlook what she calls “God moments”.
If they draw you closer to God and
help you live a more intentional life, focused on Him, then I think they are
worth trying. One alert, though: While I think being in tune to your emotions
is important, they can often misguide you. My recommendation would be to
dismiss any emotions that contradict God’s word. If in doubt, seek a spiritual
mentor, pastor, knowledgeable friend, or accountability partner for answers.
And along with praying for hope, pray
for an extra measure of faith and love. These are the three attributes that our
Christianity ultimately boils down to, and of the three, love is the greatest.
*For
Beattie’s entire post, go to http://forher.aleteia.org/articles/praying-daily-examen/
Ignatius’s
disciplines are just one of many spiritual discipline outlines found today.
Google the topic Spiritual Disciplines to learn more and see what is available
for your reading.
Until next Monday, may your week be full of blessings that you receive and give,
your heart be full of joy and thankfulness, and your days be filled with
laughter! Build a little heaven in your life right now, and watch your heavenly
garden grow!
Blessings,
Andrea
When
the eyes of the soul looking out meet the eyes of God looking in, heaven has
begun right here on earth. ~ A. W. Tozer
*Note:
While I do not agree with all of the theology found on the For Her site, there
are pearls to be found there.
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