I recently visited a plant store and made a purchase. As I checked out, the helpful cashier gave me specific instructions on how to help my new plant thrive. She instructed me about the plant’s lighting requirement, its preference for filtered water (you and me both, Mr. Plant) and other specific needs. She ended by saying that if I followed all these instructions and my plant was not doing well, I should temporarily give him more light and water because “He might just be going through a time when he needs more water and care.”
This quick comment about my plant resonated deeply with my spiritual life. As a lifelong follower of Jesus, I know the basic instructions for the care and nurturing of my faith: reading the Bible, praying, and going to church. These tips can help believers at any stage of their faith journey. I am prone to the illusion that if I set the right New Year’s resolution or goal, I will feel closer and more connected to God than any other year before.
Like my new plant, there are seasons in our lives when we need different types of care and connection to God. Sometimes that does look like setting a big goal, such as reading the Bible in a year, having a daily quiet time, and so on. However, these challenging goals could lead to frustration and disappointment when you eventually get stuck in Leviticus, especially if you attempt them without community and support. Please hear (or read) me! I am not anti-Bible reading plans! What I want to gently point you toward is a different kind of spiritual resolution that sets you up for success and connection to God, no matter what the year brings.
I suggest that instead of committing to a yearlong goal or practice, you commit to cultivating a catalog of spiritual practices and rhythms you can incorporate in the different seasons you face this year. These practices can provide assistance as you seek to abide in God during joys and sorrows that impact your life each day, week, and month.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds his disciples of the importance of abiding in God. He says,
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:1-4 (NLT)
This poignant plant imagery expresses a few truths: Abiding in God is a must, pruning helps with growth, there is no fruit without a vine, and remaining connected to the vine is key to producing fruit. As Christians, we usually interpret “pruning” to mean cutting out the bad things in our lives to make space for more growth and fruit. But what if part of “pruning” is cutting back on certain spiritual practices while cultivating new ones in those seasons when our hearts and minds need extra care?
Throughout the last few years, I have collected some practices from across the vast Christian tradition that have been helpful in my spiritual life. This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it spurs you on to try new, refreshing ways of connecting with God when you need something different.
In no particular order, here are some ideas to add to your catalog of spiritual practices:
- The Daily Examen: This is an ancient prayer practice that helps Christians reflect on their day and intentionally find God amidst the hard, good, or busy moments. Maybe try setting an alarm once a week to try this! You could also adapt this to reflect on your week instead of a single day.
- Observe Lent and Advent: If you enjoy semesters and the flow of the school year, these traditional liturgical seasons might be helpful additions to your spiritual life. Both last around 30-40 days and can provide a chance to rest and intentionally add (or remove) something from your life.
- Use pre-written prayers: The Book of Common Prayer or Valley of Vision can help you find the words when you are unsure of how or what to pray. You could also write your own prayers!
- Take a HOPE: HOPE stands for “Half Day of Prayer and Evaluation.” The goal is to spend time praying, reading Scripture, journaling or meditating. You can do this when you have to make decisions and need the space to process, or when you need to reset and refocus throughout the month.
- Tell someone how you are doing (bonus points if you pray together): This is the most important thing you can do if you need a reset. There is something very powerful about being honest with your trusted community when struggling. Be brave and share how you are really doing, ask for prayer, and remember that you are not alone! From personal experience, this is the best way to reset!
- Create a “One thing you are thankful for” chart (make one for your kids, too!): Keep this chart by your door or on your kitchen table! My friend included her toddler in this, and it was so sweet to see what she was thankful for each day. This little practice of acknowledging the gifts and good things that come from God can help you feel his presence throughout your days and weeks.
- Engage with Scripture in a different way: If you usually read your Bible, try listening to an audio version! Or even reading it aloud. It is amazing what can stand out when you engage with a new sense.
This is just a small list, and I am sure we could add so many more rich and helpful practices! As you think through your spiritual life and look toward the future with hope, I pray that you will remember the words of Jesus when he said,
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle; you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
As you think about adapting, adding, and expanding your spiritual practices, remember that Jesus wants you to be at rest, content in his love and peace. As you decide what you want to do each day, week, and month, filter your plans through his gentle yoke. Let yourself rest and reset, knowing that his love truly is sufficient and secure, no matter if or how you achieve your spiritual goals this year.
Photo Credit: Michael Marcagi
Carrie is an ESL teacher who works with students and teachers from all over the world from her home in Cincinnati, OH. Carrie loves meeting new people, learning languages and making people laugh, preferably at the same time. Her hobbies include reading, drinking fun coffee, ballet, rock climbing and cooking, preferably not all at the same time.
