I just started reading the book Spiritual Disciplines-Practices that Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun. I believe this is such a COMPREHENSIVE handbook that perhaps it will be a "resource book" vs a "read through book" and a very valuable book in my "life library". One of the pastors of our church did a series of summer workshops on some of these practices but I missed it. In my inquiry about it recently Pastor Matt referred me to this book which I ordered from Amazon.com. I tend to read "loaded topical books by interest, so i started not with the first chapter but rather with the chapter of interest- bad habit perhaps but it gets me reading quicker!!I started with the chapter entitled "Silence" in "Discipline 3 of 7: "Relinquish the False Self".The other disciplines include: Worship, Open Myself to God,Share my Life with Others,Hear God's Word,Incarnate the Love of Christ, and Pray. Under these chapters are 55 practices!!Pastor Matt said this is one of his most valuable books in his library and I can see why as it so very comprehensive-- good food for thought and learning and growing in Christ!
"SILENCE" has always been MY challenge as I am a talker!! So ANYTHING that helps me become "still" is a blessing. The quotes that struck me are these. " Silence challenges our cultural addiction to amusement, words, music, advertising, noise, alarms and voices. Silence asks for patience and waiting. Silence is a time to rest in God. leaning into God, trusting that being with him in silence will loosen your rootedness in the world and plant you by streams of living water. Like a can opener the silence opens up the contents of the heart, allowing us a deeper access to God..." I am a multi-tasker in all I do: read or email while watching tv, clean while listening to a sermon on Moody radio, talk as I go on a walk.... so this is a challenge for me! Lord give me peace and patience in this process!!
I do believe that without becoming a good listener we cannot really be a true disciple of God. So I am yearning to become a better listener and be able to truly hear God in the silent prayer vs. fill it up with MY thoughts. One simple method( for beginners) that they talk about in this book is to use a timer for 10 min of silence with God as a recommended technique to try if we are struggling. It made sense to me so I will give it a try....a place to start. Then while in that 10 min "becoming quiet to what we hear in the way of outside sounds. As we remain in silence the inner noise and chaos will begin to settle. Let it go continue to let the quiet deepen and be with God. Place yourself in the presence of God by saying 'Here I am' . If you struggle with this bring the timer into this silent time and count each distracting thought that comes to mind and let it float down a visual river. Continue with this method and be patient as it takes practice to gain the silence." It sounds basic, but I believe I need this basic beginning.
"Then progress to spending half a day alone in silence with only the Bible- just listen...what surfaces ? Continue to build solitude, silence and retreat into your daily lifestyle."
There are many, many chapters and topics discussed in this book this is just one of them.
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i have read another chapter called "the breath prayer". I really like this smple and heartfelt style of prayer. You breath in as you say one of the names of our father(i.e. abba, jesus, shepherd etc...) then exhale one simple thought of prayer( i.e. have mercy on me, help me be humble, take away my selfishness, lead me today, help me not be judgemental-or whatever it is you are wanting to pray about). You repeat this over and over again to just push away the outside world and give your full attention to this thought. It helps to focus us for the day or night. I like how it simplifies the process where we don't get lost in too many words or thoughts.
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