Practices for this moment

We are living through an incredibly significant moment in history. This is true globally, but it is also particularly true here in the U.S. The rise of a post-christian culture, impact of social media, political division, systemic racism, a global pandemic, hyper consumerism, and more are contributing to a uniquely catalytic moment that touches nearly every area of our lives.

What does it mean for us to faithfully embody the Kingdom of God in the midst of this moment?

Below are six practices connected to three primary rhythms from the life of Jesus we believe provide a tangible framework for building a grounded, dynamic life with Jesus in the moment we find ourselves in. We’d love for you to join us as we seek to incorporate these practices into our everyday lives.

 Begin your day with prayer.

Before you touch your phone. Before you check your email, social media or news cycle. Before you plug in to the never ending content stream. Set aside space to connect with God. Simply engage with his presence and welcome the Holy Spirit into your day. There is power in resisting the magnetic pull of of social media & the “to-do” list (pace of culture). Our “daily bread” is not the news cycle or the latest tweet. Our “daily bread” is Jesus.

If you’re looking for a starting point for this practice consider using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as a guide for your time.

• Pause - stop, come present to the presence of God with you.

• Reflect - look back on the things you are thankful for. Name each one and express your gratitude to God.

• Ask - bring your concerns to God. He wants to hear them.

• Yield - declare your trust in God and surrender to his will.

Engage scripture daily

Set aside time each day to engage with scripture. Regardless of if you spend for five minutes or an hour, find a way to make this a part of your daily rhythm. Engaging with scripture connects us with truth beyond our perspectives and helps us begin to understand who God is and what God is up to.

We’ve listed a few recommendations below if you’re looking for direction on where to start.

• Introduction to Jesus & the gospel - Gospel of John

• What it means to be the people of God - Ephesians

• Challenges on daily life of a follower of Jesus - 1 Timothy, James

• Living in Exile - Jeremiah

• Pray Scripture - Psalms (read one per day)

 Practice the ancient Christian tradition of “The Table”.

History of the church is around the table. The centerpoint of the old covenant was the Passover meal. Jesus takes a portion of this same meal and transforms it into the centerpoint of the new covenant…the bread and wine known as the eucharist. The New Testament church gathered around the table. Eating and drinking have always been sacred acts.

We encourage you to continue this ancient christian practice. Put away electronic devices. Turn off the T.V. Sit around the same table. Look each other in the eye. Slow down. Give thanks.

Look for ways to practice this in your own house, with friends, as well as your neighbors.

Mark each day with an act of Compassion.

Merriam-Webster defines compassion as the “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” It is more than just identifying with someone else’s feelings…it is being moved to action. Purpose to mark each day with an act of compassion. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you eyes to see and the courage to respond to the circumstance at hand. Don’t get hung up on how big or small the act may seem to you. Trust when the Holy Spirit stirs your heart.

 make space for Silence & Solitude

Silence and solitude are the spiritual practices of removing yourself from the chaos of our modern, digital age to refocus and reconnect with God. Find a quiet spot in your home. Take a walk. Drive to the beach. The most important part of this practice is to remove all the things that compete for our time so that we can come present to the Presence of God. No agenda, just presence. Not to ask for anything, just to be with God. Let the Holy Spirit meet you in your silence and solitude.

prioritize Worship on Sunday

Purpose to gather with us in person or online every Sunday as we worship, engage scripture, and make room for the Holy Spirit. This is not a ploy to help us reach some notch on an imaginary gauge. There is none of that here. This is because we need each other. We need sisters and brothers in arms who are in this thing together. We need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit that is unleashed in corporate worship. We need our routines disrupted. We need inconvenienced. We need reminded of what is true and what is real.

A closing word

There is HEAPS of grace here. This is not another opportunity to fail. This is about growth. And growth requires a level of discomfort born from recognizing we are not yet what we will be…the process of becoming means allowing God to meet us where we are and guide us to the next place. We hope you’ll join us as we collectively allow God to lead us into the fullness of life he intends for us all.