For some time now, I have wanted to deepen my prayer life. I have done many things, bought books and listened to podcasts. I took steps toward joining a group, an order, that emphasized prayer. (Never mind that I am a life-vowed member of another order that practices the Daily Office!)
While on yet another Zoom call, this one to talk about preparations for the next steps in discernment, I had an embarrassing realization.
Why don’t I just pray more? Why do I need all of this? How many times have I used the seeking of more knowledge as an excuse for inaction?
A decade ago my wife and I were on a Wesleyan Pilgrimage in England, and we heard Phil Meadows for the first time. Phil is the co-founder of the Inspire Movement, and he talked about spiritual disciplines, including fasting. Something about fasting resonated with my soul, and I said so to another pilgrim on our bus as we were leaving. “Yes, I’ll need to read more on that”, he said.
It was like I was looking in a mirror, seeing how ludicrous I could be! Why not just fast? Why not just pray?
How many times have I bought another book on a type or style of music rather than just practice one of my instruments? What am I waiting for? Whose permission do I need? Why don’t I just pray more? Why don’t I practice fasting more?
Frank
It can be hard to cultivate the practices of fasting and praying. Sometimes it can be helpful to learn more about them, or reflect on them more deeply. But most of the time what we really need is a few people to help hold us to account for being disciplined about exercising these disciplines! Here are three ideas for how you can meet with people who will help you, as you help them:
- Fellowship Bands are the best way to stay close to Jesus and grow in the spiritual disciplines. Read more here.
- Inspire House Fellowships cultivate the spiritual disciplines through a regular rhythm of practices, table fellowship and worship. Read more here.
- Learning Communities help people to experience a taste of Inspire fellowship whilst focusing on particular themes for discipleship. Read more here.
