Staying in practice
With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? –Micah 6:6-7 (NIV)
As I met with my foxhole this week, we were talking about spiritual disciplines we wanted to emphasize and specifically grow in this year. You may recall a broader discussion about the disciplines from late summer. This week was more specific, and it varied from man to man. Here’s a sampling….
Bob wants to go deeper in his study of the Bible. He inspired me in 2021 by his commitment to read through the entire Bible in a year. He came really close, gave himself a little grace, and will finish in the next couple weeks. For 2022, he is looking to take it a little more slowly, think and meditate more as he reads, giving the Spirit more opportunity to speak to him.
Carey is focused on prayer. Specifically, persistent prayer regarding things he had all but given up on, seeing them as impossible. Bold prayer, fervent prayer, faithful prayer, with an expectation that God will likely answer with opportunities that call him out of his comfort zone. Because of that, his prayers are including a plea to be obedient in that regard. Think Philippians 3.
Richard is training a new puppy. (That wasn’t directly tied to a spiritual discipline, unless you count service to his wife and patience with the dog. But it did make for some good conversation!)
Scott wants to learn about fasting. He has tried it in the past, but without a game plan, and with little to no effect or benefit. He wants to understand how to fast, when to fast, why to fast, and to approach the practice with some intentionality.
Steve’s word of the year is “abide”. He’ll be practicing sabbath and solitude and silence before the Lord. He is looking for less “doing” and more “being” as he listens for God’s voice. He desires to become more comfortable just resting in the presence of God. Think walks and sunsets and cups of coffee on the back porch.
We see value in thinking about these things and verbalizing them. It gives us something specific to pray for each other. It also provides accountability. I am looking forward to amazing stories from these guys in the coming months, as we pursue these practices. I don’t expect that it will always be a steady upward climb – more like one step forward, two steps back at times. But that’s okay. We’re committed to God and growth and one another. I think it’s gonna be a good year!
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. –Micah 6:8 (NIV)