Spend time in study on a topic from interesting materials such as

• Lectionary reading and helps of all sorts from The Text This Week HERE
• Working Preacher has lectionary materials, including the Sermon Brainwave Podcast
• Sermon Writer website HERE has sermon and other resources
• Bible reading using Lectio divina: read scripture aloud 3 times (an audio approach provided by Pray-as-you-go is HERE)
  1. Understand the facts – who, what, when and where (meditatio)
  2. Picture yourself as the storyteller and audience (contemplatio)
  3. Stop and rest with the words that are appealing (oratio)

• Find an accountability partner, study group, book group, blog group or ??? to express thoughts, challenge one another and hold each other accountable for study
• There are hundreds of good books – some favorite books and/or authors include
  • The Humor of Christ – Elton Trueblood
  • God’s Psychiatry – Charles Allen
  • Leonard Sweet (Soul Salsa and The Gospel According to Starbucks are both good)
  • Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
• Do an item from Nine Spiritual Practices in Nature (Presbyterians Today – March 2014)
• Read a denominational publication from your church (Presbyterians are blessed by the breadth and depth of coverage in Presbyterians Today and Methodists enjoy Interpreter)
• Another great source is The Thoughtful Christian.  They publish free resources and studies plus course materials at reasonable prices.
• “Spiritual networking and resources for an evolving faith” sound interesting? If so, check out Progressive Christianity
• Presbyterian site with materials for new members and Elders/Deacons (theocademy.com/)
• Biblos.com has good materials for reference
• Inspirational videos on Godvine.com
• Consider study relating to film or other media (search “Ed McNulty Cincinnati Presbytery film critic” for some examples)
• Spend some time with the Presbyterian Mission Yearbook, which provides people and ministries in the church to pray for as well as short stories of mission
• Upbuilding Ministries runs training events that “upbuild men, women, and children in practical expressions of their Christian faith.” It has been a great learning and practicing experience for many!
• Fasting has many benefits, especially freeing us to be be more mindful of those on our prayer lists (and those without food, when we’re doing a food fast).
  • This is an article by Lynne Raab about fasting, whether from food, electronics or …
  • This Guideposts article shares 5 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
• Sparkhouse advertises thought-provoking materials for children, youth and adults (we only have experience with the adult videos – they’re quite good!)
• There are many good Disciple and Serendipity materials for study
• Consider journaling your recent experiences (see this CP post for more)
• ADVENT
  • Pamela C. Hawkins has written some good materials for study
  • There are too many to list, so an internet search may be in order… 🙂
• LENT
  • HERE are links to Lenten stories (with reflection questions) written by Ron Johnson
• HEALING & PEACE
  • Bible verses associated with healing and peace – –  hear them and/or read them!
  • KidsCorner Audio: Jesus and Legion – healing of the demon-possessed man
  • Music relating to healing/worry: “Blessings,” “God’s Footprints,” “When Worries Cloud Over the Sun of Our Blessings” (work in progress)
• Daily Examen – “the most important thing a person could do each day.” ~ Ignatius of Loyola

On my honor, I will do my best to present myself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)