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)
- Understand the facts – who, what, when and where (meditatio)
- Picture yourself as the storyteller and audience (contemplatio)
- 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)
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Read a denominational publication from your church (Presbyterians are blessed by the breadth and depth of coverage in Presbyterians Today and Methodists enjoy Interpreter)
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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)
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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)