Spiritual Practices to Test Drive in the New Year

Written By Mariah Miskimen

Each week, we’ll share some practices that you can incorporate into your week either individually or gather a friend or two to learn together how to experience God’s compassion, grace, love, patience and faithfulness.

SOLO PRACTICES:

  • Cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Reflect on the blessings in your life, big and small. Gratitude opens your heart to the awareness of God's constant presence.  Take each day to acknowledge three things you are grateful for—maybe keep a journal of them or share them with your family at a meal.  

  • Learn to practice the Daily Examen.The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. Examen Instructions

GOING DEEPER IN A GROUP OR WITH A PARTNER:

Gather with others to connect and learn together.  Use the suggested template below and adjust based on your groups’ preferences.  

  • Opening “Community Time” Question – Share a high and a low from the week.

  • Get paper and a pen for this next time of reflection

  • Watch 6 Minute Bible Project Video

  • Take time to read Exodus 34:6-7 aloud together and then write down the passage, each in your own handwriting. Then write it again using your own words.

  • Notice the way Exodus 34:7 begins the way it ends. How does God’s loyal love relate to his justice?

  • Underline the five characteristics of God named in verse 6 and then circle repeated words and concepts that we notice in verses 6-7 What do you observe about the repetitions and structure?

  • Take time to discuss other themes, questions, or key takeaways from what you learned together.

  • Spiritual Practices

    • Dwelling in Worship – Listen to this song and write down the lyrics that are highlighted to you and share with the group after listening.

    • Examen – Follow the steps here and then share your reflection with others.

  • Close in prayer for each other to receive God’s compassion, grace, patience, love and faithfulness in your lives.

Mariah Miskimen
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