2021 Suggested Advent Spiritual Practices

Choose one.  Be gentle.

1. Meditation

            Find a comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.  Sit comfortably on a chair.  Make your back straight but not stiff.  Put your feet flat on the floor.  Put your hands on your knees.  You can close your eyes, keep them open, or leave them half-open.  Then breathe.  That’s it.  Pay attention to your breath.  When your thoughts take you to other places turn your attention back to your breath.  Try it for five or ten minutes.  Set a timer so you don’t have to watch the clock.  If you enjoy it increase the time.

2. Centering Prayer

            Very similar to meditation.  However, instead of following your breath, keep returning your attention back to a pre-selected phrase or word.  It may be, “God is love” or “Lord have mercy.”  Or it can be just one word like “love” or “mercy.”  You may also choose a word or phrase from a Bible passage that speaks to you. 

3. “Square” or “Box” Breathing

            You can do this anytime and anywhere.  Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.  Hold your breath for 4 seconds.  Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds.  Wait 4 seconds before taking your next breath.  If you have never done this before you may feel dizzy, and it may take some time to get the hang of it.  The more you do it, the more capable you become. 

4. Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

            Choose a Bible passage.  1. Read the passage out loud and slowly.  What do you hear, see, or even taste, feel or smell?  What intrigues you?  2.  Read the passage again.  Reflect on what the reading may mean for you.  Can you envision yourself in the story or passage?  3.  Read the passage again.  Respond to God with your reflections, feelings, or questions.  Listen for what God wants you to hear or see.  4.  Read the passage once more.  Allow the words to rest deep within you.  What is God’s gift for you here?  5.  Decide on one small action that you could do as a way of expressing your gratitude for God meeting you through Scripture.  (From “The Way of Prayer” by Jane Vennard)

5. Prayer with Music

            I suggest the Poor Clare Sisters of Arundel.  Their website is www.poorclaresarundel.org.  Find their music on YouTube, Amazon, and more. 

6. “Pray as You Go”

This is an app for your smart phone or other device. It has daily prayer sessions that provides a “framework for your own prayer.” Each session lasts between ten and thirteen minutes. I love it and use it daily.

- Pastor Josh

            Advent, 2021