Tag Archive: Spiritual Practice

Spiritual Practice: Imaginative Meditation

Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus, wrote a classic devotional book called “Spiritual Exercises.” In this book, he commends a specific approach to prayer that emphasizes the use of the imagination as a way of praying. Instead of reciting words to Jesus, you take a Gospel story and visualize the story in your mind’s eye including all... Continue Reading

A Self-Awareness Spiritual Practice: Recollecting Our Days

A well-known Christian therapist, who almost exclusively works with pastors, once noted “The number one problem I encounter with pastors is a lack of self-awareness.” That can probably be said of most leaders as well. Why? There are many streams that come together to create that river but in my estimation a few include arrogance, authoritarianism, and isolation from honest... Continue Reading

Spiritual Practice: Peace Be Still

“Storm on the Sea” As a spiritual practice, read Mark 4:35-41. Place yourself in the boat with the disciples, becoming one of them as you read. Look at the picture icon of Storm on the Sea. This icon illustrates the peaceful space in Jesus. Icons are “prayer helps” that have been used in the church for centuries. They are not... Continue Reading

Whole Brain Scripture Meditation As a Spiritual Practice

Most of us are inclined to mostly use only one side of our brain. Our thought processes are either predominately creative, intuitive and abstract (right brain), or logical, rational and concrete (left brain). This is true in our work as well as our spiritual life. To engage both the right and left sides of our brains requires concentration, focus and intentionality.... Continue Reading