Spirituality #3 - A Personal Rule of Life

Following the example of Benedictine monasteries who use the Rule of St. Benedict (found at http://www.osb.org/) to guide their lives together, some Christian people elect to develop their own personal Rule as a guide to their own living. I have one for myself, and recommend the practice. Developing and following a personal Rule as a spiritual discipline can serve to focus and sharpen our attention on living a Christ-like life.

Here are some brief suggestions to get started:
1) Start with the three categories that form a central core for Christian living: (a) prayer and worship, (b) study and learning, and (c) service to others.

2) Using these categories, develop a general plan that fits your unique life and circumstances. You may wish to consider the following questions:
- How often do I pray each day? Strict Benedictine monasteries pray seven times each day, those not as strict pray at least three. Martin Luther once recommended three times of prayer each day: on rising in the morning, on returning home each evening, and at bedtime. Benedictines sometimes refer to morning and evening as the "hinges" of the day, especially suitable as reminders for prayer. Praying a table blessing at mealtimes is another natural time for prayer.
- How do I pray? Christians have found comfort in a large variety of types of prayer, ranging from contempation, to simple conversations with God, to the "daily office," to praying the rosary, to walking a labyrinth. There are many discussions on line that are great to explore. Add something new to your prayer life and you may find it to be a gift from God.
- Do I worship regularly with other Christians? If your answer is 'no,' you may wish to rethink this. Christianity is practiced best in a community where we can learn and grow. Denominational labels are important only as starting points. Explore. Find a community that fits you, without expecting perfection. Solo Christianity is virtally a contradiction in terms, and Christ has promised to be present in the midst of "two or three" gathered in his name.
- Do I regularly engage in religious studies? Christianity has been around for 2,000 years, and in that time has built up a literally incredible body of commentaries, reflections, theological treatises, and devotional materials. Visit a library, try http://www.ccel.org/ on the internet, or explore the many other sources available.
- In what ways do I devote portions of my life to serving others? What people do I encounter who are in need of help (in need of help, not 'deserving' of help)? Like community, service is an essential part of Christianity. We trust in and worship a God who gives of Her/Himself continually, and we are made in His/Her image. Christ has promised to be present in those we serve.

Blessings!
Pastor Garry

Spirituality #2: Scripture

I found an interesting web site that describes the difference between Dog and Cat theology. It's a clever and insightful peek at the vulnerabilities of using our own experience as a guide to interpreting scripture. Despite its brevity, it's also a thought-provoking article about some of the Church's challenges in our post-modern world.

Since it's readily availabe on line, I'll not copy it here. Go to dogandcattheology.com. Enjoy and reflect!

Blessings,
Pastor Garry

Orthodox Lutherans in SC

The meeting of 'Orthodox Lutherans in SC' took place earlier today. Unlike other groups who have either taken steps to leave the ELCA, or who are protesting the actions of Churchwide Assembly, the SC group has chosen a different direction. This group wishes to stay within the SC Synod, and to seek ways by which the synod as a whole can take a stand within the tradition of the Church (a stand with which I agree). Unfortunately, the ELCA has already stated that synodical bishops and candidacy committees may not exercise their "bound conscience" in a direction that is different from the policies of the ELCA. While the SC orthodox Lutherans are anticipating a meeting after the first of the year to discuss legislative actions which allow synods the freedom to follow their "bound conscience," then, such an action will require another vote of a subsequent Churchwide Assembly to modify the policy changes made in August.

Spirituality #1 - Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is the basic meditative practice of Benedictine monks, a way of reading the Scripture with a prayerful attentiveness to the immediate presence of God. At its core, Lectio Divina involves listening deeply to God’s word addressed personally to you. In that way, Lectio Divina moves toward contemplation.

The original practice has expanded from the attentive reading of Scripture or commentaries by the early Fathers of the Church to include spiritual reading in the broadest sense of the word. At the risk of sounding too conservative, I would recommend initially limiting the process to either scripture or Christian “classics” for a while -- the value and joy of Lectio Divina lies in its ability to increase one’s attention to the presence of God rather than intellectual stimulation. Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest, or even the Rule of St. Benedict would likely be better choices than, say, The Cabin.

In order to practice Lectio Divina, select a time and place that is peaceful and in which you may be alert and prayerfully attentive. Dispose yourself for prayer in whatever way is natural for you. This may be a spoken prayer to God to open you more fully to the Spirit, a gentle relaxation process that focuses on breathing, singing or chanting, or simply a few minutes of silence to empty yourself of thoughts, images, and emotions.

Reading (lectio) - Slowly begin reading a biblical passage as if it were a long awaited personal letter addressed to you. Approach it reverentially and expectantly, in a way that savors each word and phrase. Read the passage until you hear a word or phrase or image that touches you, resonates, attracts or even disturbs you.

Reflecting (meditatio) - Ponder this word or phrase for a few minutes. Let it sink in slowly and deeply until you are resting in it. Listen for what the word or phrase is saying to you at this moment in your life, what it may be offering to you, what it may be demanding of you. The word or phrase may be grounded in unconditional love (“Gospel”), in God’s expectations of you (“Law”), or a mixture of both.

Expressing (oratio) - When you feel ready, openly and honestly express to God the prayers that arise spontaneously within you from your experience of this word or phrase. These may be prayers of thanksgiving, petition, intercession, lament, or praise.

Resting (contemplatio) - Allow yourself to simply rest silently with God for a time in the stillness of your heart, remaining open to the quiet fullness of God’s love and peace. This is like the silence of communion between the mother holding her sleeping infant child where communication passes beyond words into pure relationship.

Blessings!
Pastor Garry

Meeting of 'Orthodox Lutherans of SC'

On November 10, a meeting of ELCA rostered leaders and laity will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in West Columbia for further discussion of the direction that the ELCA took at the August Churchwide Assembly. The meeting may even generate a response of SC traditionalists. The meeting is an indication of the degree to which many members of the ELCA are angry and outraged at the Churchwide Assembly's actions. The lack of reliance on scripture and tradition in the Chuchwide Assembly's decision making has seriously impacted a significant number of people. Some plan to stay within the ELCA and continue to protest, some plan to stay within the ELCA with minimal participation in the life of the larger Church, and some have already resigned their membership. I will report on the results of tomorrow's meeting and try to keep everyone updated.

As promised, I am also providing information in another post on Lectio Divina for the use of those who wish to not only read scripture but to use scripture in their prayer life.

Blessings!
Pastor Garry