So lets get a little more practical, how can we cultivate healthy rhythms for our spirit, soul and body?
Some years ago I read Courageous leadership by Bill Hybels. I would definitely recommend the book as a whole but specifically he suggests there are 7 different ways people connect and engage with God, he calls them pathways. I found them incredibly helpful in understanding how I can create healthy rhythms in my spiritual life. I would highly recommend the whole book but the recognition that there are a number of ways we may connect and engage and identifying what we find helpful is important for creating a healthy spiritual aspect for our lives.
Worship
Some people find sung worship gives a voice to express what we feel deep within and facilitates deeply intimate experiences with the Father. Getting moments alone with an instrument of worship CD and gathered worship experience refuel passion and energise those of us who connect with God in this way.
Contemplation
Some people find contemplation incredibly fulfilling. It is time alone where there is space to pray, reflect and explore the bible that facilitate deeply intimate experiences with the Father. Journalling is often a favourite way to keep track of these experiences and making the time and space for connecting and engaging with the Father in this way refuels passion and energy.
Creation
Some people find getting out into God wonderful creation incredibly inspiring and through the natural beauty of creation they find an intimate connection with the Father. Wide open spaces, and the wonder of nature energise them to pursue the Father and His Kingdom.
Action
Some people find in the midst of activity they feel deeply connected, missional opportunities and opportunities to create and build things help them to engage with their Creator and energise and refuel their passion facilitating deeply intimate experiences with the Father.
Relationship
Some people find they connect with the Father best in community contexts, in gathered environments where they can discuss, share, pray and interact with others. For them they find an intimate connection with the Father as they rubs shoulders with other like minded Jesus followers.
Service
Some people find serving others helps them engage with the Father. They find they come alive in those moments where they are doing something for someone else. They find in the moments they are serving a deep sense of intimacy and connection with Father God.
Intellect
Some people find huge academic discussions and commentaries invigorating. They find through understanding the world around them they find connection with the Father. The more they explore and unpack of the world the more they discover about God’s heart. In moments with their nose in books and texts they find intimate experiences with the Father.
Many people find a combination of pathways help them to connect with the father. But the key is to find whatever propels you towards the Father and carve out a regular rhythm in life that creates the time and space for you to do that.
Long may our spirits come alive as we engage with our Heavenly Father!
Coaching & Workshops available unpacking our award winning Because You’re Loved initiative.
markriley@paismovement