Spiritual Practices

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Spiritual Practices

What is a spiritual practice?

Franciscan priest and modern-day mystic, Richard Rohr, has stated that “the only thing that separates us from God is the thought that we are separate from God.” In our own UCC book of worship, it is said that God is as “close to us as our breathing.” So often, however, we don’t feel that closeness in a tangible way. We feel separated and pulled away from God by our many commitments, and by a world filled with noise and distraction. Spiritual practices help us to lean into our innate connection with the divine and put us into a posture to experience that connection more often and in a more profound way. There are many different forms of spiritual practice. As you’ll see below, practices vary widely, and can be solitary or communal, spoken or sung, based in stillness or movement.

Why practice?

Just as with anything else, the more you practice, the stronger your spiritual muscles will get, and the more you will become acclimated to God’s presence and action within and all around.

How?

There are many varieties of spiritual practice, and there is no one right way to connect with God. We hope that through this website, you can explore many different practices until you find the one that works best for you. When you find it, feel free to play with it and make it your own, and then, practice!

Explore Spiritual Practices

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All Community & Growth Meditation & Contemplative Prayer Sacred Time & Space

Centering Prayer

Engage in a contemplative practice where you sit in silence, letting go of thoughts and distractions, and simply being present with the divine, experiencing a deep sense of inner stillness and connection.

Examen

A daily practice of reflecting on one's day and seeking God's guidance for the future. This can be done by journaling, talking to a trusted friend or counselor, or simply by praying for guidance.

Ignatian Discernment

A process of prayerfully considering options and making decisions in light of God's will. It is a way of listening to God's voice in our lives and discerning what God is calling us to do.

Labyrinth

A winding path that can be used for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Labyrinths have been used for centuries as a way to connect with God and one's inner self.

Lectio and Visio Divina

Immerse yourself in sacred texts or images, reading or observing them slowly and attentively, allowing their meaning and symbolism to penetrate your heart and invite personal reflection, leading to a profound understanding and connection with the divine.

Mindfulness

Cultivate a state of non-judgmental awareness and attention to the present moment, observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations with openness and acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Nonviolence Training

Engage in learning and training that promotes nonviolence as a way of life, exploring the principles and practices of compassion, empathy, and conflict resolution, empowering you to become an advocate for peace and justice.

Prayer of the Heart (Jesus Prayer) / Breath Prayer

Engage in a repetitive prayer or mantra, such as the Jesus Prayer, synchronizing it with your breath, allowing the words to become a focal point that deepens your connection with the divine, bringing peace and tranquility to your being.

Quaker Clearness Committees

Participate in a Quaker practice where a small group of individuals gathers to assist an individual seeking clarity or guidance, offering a space of deep listening, reflection, and open-hearted dialogue to help illuminate the path forward.

Retreats

Attend a dedicated period of time away from your everyday life, often in a serene and secluded setting, to engage in spiritual practices, reflection, and study, allowing for deep rejuvenation, self-discovery, and communion with the divine.

Sacred Activism

Integrate your spiritual beliefs and values with social and environmental activism, engaging in acts of compassion, justice, and service to bring about positive change in the world, infusing your actions with the sacred purpose.

Silence, Solitude, and Sabbath

Carve out intentional periods of silence, solitude, and rest, creating space for reflection, introspection, and renewal, nurturing your spiritual well-being and cultivating a deeper relationship with the divine.

Spiritual Direction

Engage in a one-on-one relationship with a spiritual guide or director who provides support, guidance, and discernment on your spiritual journey, offering a safe and sacred space for reflection, exploration, and growth.

Spiritual Practice with Children

Create meaningful and age-appropriate activities, rituals, and conversations to nurture the spirituality of children, fostering their innate sense of wonder, connection, and exploration of the divine.

Taizé and Contemplative Chant

Engage in meditative singing or chanting of simple and repetitive melodies, often accompanied by prayerful silence, creating a contemplative atmosphere that stills the mind, opens the heart, and fosters a sense of unity with the divine.

The Ancient Hours

Embrace the practice of structured prayer and devotion at specific times throughout the day, aligning yourself with the traditional hours of prayer observed by monastic communities, inviting a sacred rhythm and intentionality into your daily life.

Transformative Eucharist

Through symbolic elements, participants unite in a deep communion, awakening to interconnectedness and nourishing their souls with spiritual transformation. It is a sacred reminder of divine presence, offering renewal and profound inner awakening.

Walking Meditation

Practice mindfulness while walking, bringing full attention to each step, sensation, and breath, allowing the act of walking itself to become a meditative experience, fostering grounding, presence, and a deeper connection with the world around you.

Worship

Participate in communal gatherings of prayer, ritual, and reverence, often in a religious or spiritual setting, where individuals come together to express devotion, gratitude, and praise to the divine, deepening their spiritual connection.