Sacred Rhythms

1. Desire is the Starting Point for Spiritual Transformation

The reason we are not able to see God is the faintness of our desire.

Longing as a compass. Spiritual transformation begins not with obligation, but with a deep, authentic longing for more of God. This desire, often felt as a yearning for love, healing, or a more meaningful life, is not something to be suppressed but rather a signal that God's Spirit is already at work within us, drawing us closer. It's the soul's cry for something beyond the superficial, a hunger that cannot be satisfied by worldly pursuits.

Naming the desire. The first step is to acknowledge and name this desire in God's presence, without fear or judgment. Like Bartimaeus, who cried out to Jesus, we must be honest about what we truly want. This act of naming is not selfish but rather an act of vulnerability that opens us to God's transformative power. It's about recognizing that our deepest longings are not random but are connected to the essence of who we are.

Desire as a motivator. This longing, when acknowledged, becomes the impetus for seeking out spiritual practices and rhythms that promise something more. It moves us beyond mere obligation to a place of genuine seeking, where we are compelled to find ways of living that are congruent with our deepest desires. It's the fuel that drives us to pursue a life that is more fully aligned with God's will.

2. Solitude Creates Space for God and Self-Discovery

The longing for solitude is the longing for God.

Unplugging from noise. Solitude is not merely being alone; it's about creating a space, both in time and place, where we can unplug from the constant stimulation of the world and the noise of our own minds. It's a deliberate withdrawal from the busyness of life to create an environment where we can truly listen to God and to the stirrings of our own soul. This space is essential for hearing the still, small voice of God.

Soul's safe haven. Solitude is a place where the soul can come out, where we can be honest about our longings, frustrations, and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. It's a place where we can be with what is, without trying to fix or control it. It's a sanctuary where we can experience God's presence unmediated by words, theological constructs, or religious activity.

Rest and replenishment. Solitude is also a place of rest, where we can release the weight of expectations and the exhaustion of constant activity. It's a time to be rather than do, to allow God to replenish our soul and prepare us for the journey ahead. It's a reminder that we are not machines but human beings who need time to be still and know that God is God.

3. Scripture is a Love Letter, Not a Textbook

The Word of Scripture should never stop sounding in your ears and working in you all day long, just like the words of someone you love.

Beyond information. Approaching Scripture as a textbook, focused on gathering information and proving points, misses the deeper purpose of encountering God through his Word. It's about moving beyond cognitive understanding to a place of relational intimacy, where we allow the Scriptures to penetrate our hearts and souls. It's about reading for transformation, not just information.

Listening for God's voice. Reading Scripture for relationship involves a slower, more reflective approach, where we savor each word and listen for the specific message God has for us in the present moment. It's about being open to God's initiative rather than trying to control the text for our own purposes. It's about asking, "What does this say to me?" rather than "What does this mean?"

Lectio Divina. The practice of Lectio Divina, with its four movements of reading, reflecting, responding, and resting, provides a concrete way to engage Scripture for spiritual transformation. It's a dance between silence and word, where we allow God to speak to us in the depths of our being. It's a way of moving from head to heart, from information to intimacy.

4. Prayer Deepens Intimacy Beyond Words

Prayer is like love. Words pour at first. Then we are more silent and can communicate in monosyllables.

Beyond the beginner's stage. Prayer, initially characterized by a flow of words, eventually invites us into a deeper level of intimacy that transcends language. It's a movement from communication to communion, where we experience God's presence beyond the limitations of our own thoughts and expressions. It's a journey from the head to the heart.

Silent communion. Silent prayer, centering prayer, contemplative prayer—all these terms point to the same reality: a place of being with God beyond words. It's a place where we rest in God's love and sovereignty, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for us with groans that are too deep for words. It's a place of self-emptying, where we come with empty hands and empty hearts, ready to receive whatever God wants to give.

Breath prayer. Breath prayer, a simple phrase or word repeated in rhythm with our breathing, is a powerful way to connect with God in the depths of our being. It's a prayer that arises from the gut, expressing our deepest longings and needs. It's a way to pray when we don't know how to pray, a way to stay connected with God throughout the day.

5. The Body is a Temple, Not an Obstacle

The Christian practice of honoring the body is born of the confidence that our bodies are made in the image of God’s own goodness.

Embodied spirituality. Our bodies are not merely vessels for our souls; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, places where God has chosen to dwell. This understanding calls us to honor our bodies as sacred, caring for them with the same intentionality we bring to our spiritual practices. It's about recognizing that the physical and the spiritual are not separate but intertwined.

Listening to the body. Our bodies have much to tell us if we are willing to listen. They can be a source of wisdom, alerting us to stress, exhaustion, or joy. Paying attention to our physical sensations can open up windows of insight and guide us in making life-giving choices. It's about recognizing that God speaks to us through our bodies.

Praying in the body. Prayer is not just a mental or spiritual activity; it's a whole-person experience that involves our bodies as well. Our posture, our breathing, our physical movements can all be expressions of our communication with God. It's about bringing our whole self—body, mind, and spirit—into God's presence.

6. Self-Examination Reveals Truth and Opens to Grace

Because God loves us unconditionally—along with our dark sides—we don’t need to dodge ourselves.

Seeing ourselves clearly. Self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about inviting God to help us see ourselves more clearly, both our strengths and our weaknesses. It's about acknowledging the places where we are not like Christ, not to wallow in shame but to open ourselves to God's transforming love. It's about moving from self-deception to self-awareness.

Examen of consciousness. The examen of consciousness, a daily review of our day, helps us to become more aware of God's presence and activity in our lives. It's about noticing the moments when we were most alive and the moments when we felt most disconnected. It's about recognizing that God is with us in every moment, even the dark ones.

Examen of conscience. The examen of conscience, on the other hand, invites us to look at the places where we have fallen short of love, where we have wounded ourselves or others. It's about naming our failures, confessing our sins, and receiving God's forgiveness. It's about moving from self-protection to self-disclosure.

7. Discernment Recognizes and Responds to God's Presence

Discernment in its fullness takes a practiced heart, fine-tuned to hear the word of God and the single-mindedness to follow that word in love.

Attentiveness to God. Discernment is not about finding a formula for making decisions; it's about cultivating a habit of attentiveness to God's presence in all things. It's about learning to recognize the subtle movements of the Holy Spirit and aligning ourselves with God's purposes. It's about moving from spiritual blindness to spiritual sight.

Consolation and desolation. Discernment involves paying attention to our inner dynamics, particularly the experiences of consolation and desolation. Consolation is the sense of life-giving connection with God, others, and our most authentic self. Desolation is the loss of that sense of connection, a feeling of turmoil and confusion. These inner states can guide us in making life-giving choices.

Love as the guiding principle. Discernment is not just about knowing God's will; it's about choosing love in every situation. It's about asking, "What does love call for?" and allowing that question to guide our decisions. It's about moving beyond self-interest to a place of selfless service.

8. Sabbath Establishes Rhythms of Work and Rest

If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness becomes our Sabbath.

Honoring our limits. Sabbath is not just a day off; it's a way of ordering our lives around a rhythm of work and rest, honoring the limits of our humanity. It's about acknowledging that we are not God and that we need time to replenish our bodies, spirits, and souls. It's about moving from a driven existence to a life of grace.

Sanctuary in time. Sabbath is a sanctuary in time, a day set apart for rest, worship, and delighting in God. It's a time to unplug from the demands of the world and to reconnect with what truly matters. It's a time to slow down, to savor the simple gifts of life, and to experience the presence of God.

Rest and delight. Sabbath is not about rigid rules and prohibitions; it's about choosing activities that bring us rest and delight. It's about replacing work with activities that replenish our bodies, spirits, and souls. It's about moving from doing to being, from striving to surrendering.

9. A Rule of Life Provides Structure for Spiritual Growth

We long to see our lives whole, to know that they matter.

Intentionality and purpose. A rule of life is not a rigid set of rules but rather a framework for ordering our lives around our deepest desires for God. It's a way of intentionally arranging our time, energy, and relationships to create space for spiritual transformation. It's about moving from a haphazard existence to a life of purpose.

Personalized rhythms. A rule of life is highly personal, taking into account our personality, spiritual type, stage of life, and specific needs. It's about finding a rhythm of spiritual practices that is both challenging and life-giving, a balance between the disciplines that come easily and those that stretch us. It's about moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized path.

Flexibility and grace. A rule of life is not meant to be a source of legalism or guilt but rather a guide for our journey. It's about being faithful to our intentions while also being flexible and compassionate with ourselves. It's about moving from rigid adherence to a place of grace and freedom.

10. Community is Essential for the Journey

The spiritual journey was never meant to be taken alone.

Shared seeking. Spiritual transformation is not a solitary endeavor; it's a journey best taken in community with others who share our desire for God. Spiritual friendship is not about advice-giving or problem-solving; it's about supporting one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with our deepest longings. It's about moving from isolation to connection.

Spiritual friendship. Spiritual friendship is a relationship characterized by a deep willingness to be known and loved, a place where we can be honest about our struggles and vulnerabilities. It's a place where we can challenge and confront one another, offering support and encouragement along the way. It's a place of mutual accountability and growth.

Transformation in community. Community is a crucible where we are shaped and molded into the image of Christ. It's a place where we can experience the power of shared worship, confession, and intercession. It's a place where we can learn from one another and grow together in our love for God and for each other.

Last updated: January 26, 2025