Contemplate spiritual practices for Lent
By Joann Nesser S
ilence, solitude and Scripture. T ose are the three things I rediscovered years ago when invited to a Roman Catholic retreat center.
Many of us long for a deeper spiritual life, and Christi-
anity has a rich history of contemplative practices rooted in silence, refl ection and a loving intimacy with God. T ese ancient practices were central to the early church and were gradually lost as science and rationalism took
over. T e church has been scrambling for years to fi nd ways to stop the slow
loss of members and declining growth. We’ve been good at social action and teaching. But looking back hundreds of years even before the Reformation, we see a gradual loss of the intimate spiritual life of the early church. Ancient practices can bring new life to our lives and those of our con-
gregations. Seasons like Advent and Lent are perfect times to introduce the congregation to new and ancient practices from the early church. People throughout Western Christianity have turned to ancient mystics
to learn what’s missing and to search for answers to their deep hunger for meaning—solitude, silence and prayer have become the center of their lives.
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www.thelutheran.org
Contrary to what some might think, these folks aren’t withdrawing—they are fi nding a deep spiritual life that heals inner wounds from life’s hurts and loneliness from modern life’s isolation. A rebirth of such spiritual prac-
tices gives strength and purpose for life’s challenges. T is can also become a natural
part of the way a church does min- istry. It’s a cultural shiſt for many— busy pastors say they barely have time for such practices in their own lives, let alone their congregation’s. But this is about adding a practice, not a new program. A similar shiſt is being made in
much of the corporate world. Busi- nesses are bringing in life coaches and taking time for meditation because it changes the way employ- ees work together and do business.
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