• Teach contemplative practices in all levels of education, even among
• Fold spiritual practices into con- firmation. Tis age is surprisingly
prayer at congregational council meetings, take time for lectio divina, the sacred reading of Scripture and shared silence. Rather than Roberts Rules of Order, let Christian discern- ment practices allow all members to voice their prayerful reflections on decisions to be made.
the youngest children, who love to use their imaginations and tell their faith stories.
• Invite the choir(s) into centering prayer, song or chant as spiritual
• Invest in a singing bowl or medita- tion bowl for your worship space.
preparedness prior to worship.
Rather than a hum of chatter prior to worship, encourage silence and
Health clubs and spas offer silence, meditation, and solitude for rest and renewal. Twelve-step programs offer spiritual guidance, companionship and prayer as part of recovery. Many church members, as well as
non-members, tend to their spiritual hunger by joining contemplative prayer groups or seeking spiritual directors or professional spiritual companions. All well and good.
Suggested practices But the church can also meet these needs. Making such a cultural shiſt in our congregations isn’t about adding another meeting, but incorporating contemplative practices into what we’re already doing:
• Pastors, mark your calendar for daily silence, meditation and
• Instead of opening devotions or reflection.
responsive to meditation and being asked how they experience God. Tis way of teaching honors their ques- tions and doubts.
• Te singing bowl also signals a time for silence during worship,
prayer by ringing the bowl. It teaches even the youngest child to become silent before God. Such a focus keeps us from checking out what is going on around us and keeps us centered.
especially for prayer, and aſter read- ings and the sermon. Worshipers can be encouraged to ask themselves: How is God speaking to me through this text? What is God’s invitation to me from this sermon? By planting these seeds, ancient
practices can transform our experi- ence of God, changing us and our relationship with those around us—even changing how we see our families, our jobs and the world. As we intentionally add simple,
meaningful practices, the still, small voice of the indwelling Christ that is always present with us will guide our daily lives. As it changes even one of us, the ripple effect begins to change all.
Author bio: Nesser, founder and retired director of the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in Lino Lakes, Minn., is the author of Contemplative Prayer: Praying When the Well Runs Dry (Augsburg Fortress, 2007) and Journey Into Reality: Through Prayer and God-Centeredness (Xlibris Corporation, 2009). She is a member of Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony, Minn.
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