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rBe it 28 The Lutheran • www.thelutheran.org


esolved...


Getting spiritual on the brink of a new year


By Tom Schaefer S


ure, you may have made some New Year’s Resolutions already, but have you made any spiritual resolutions for 2012? In 1535, Martin Luther’s friend, Peter Beskendorf, asked for advice about prayer. The reformer’s response came in the form of an open letter titled “How One Should Pray, for Master Peter the Barber.” His basic message to Beskendorf was to use the spiritual gems found in the Small Catechism as a guide for prayer and spiritual growth. It’s still good advice.


But there are other disciplines, routines and practices to spiritually focus us in this new year. Here are seven:


1. Read the work of an unfamiliar spiritual writer. Classical and con- temporary writers provide a feast of spiritual food. To get you started, consider one of these: • A Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Rich-


Schaefer is a former religion editor and colum- nist for The Wichita [Kan.] Eagle and a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Wichita.


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