“We were losing the more traditional form of faith which saw religion as a practical activity. Like driving, swimming, dancing or gymnastics you learn the truths of faith only by constant, dedicated practice – not by reading texts or adopting a metaphysical

‘belief’. Like a myth, a religious doctrine is essentially a program of action. It makes no sense unless it is translated into practical action that helps you to dethrone egotism, selfishness and greed by practicing compassion to all living beings.” This quote is included at the start of Michelle Heyne’s book, In Your Holy Spirit: Traditional Spiritual Practices in Today’s Christian Life. The quote comes from Kathleen Armstrong, who was discussing her book, The Case for God, a few years ago. It’s a good reminder that our faith is about so much more than just stating our beliefs or coming to church on Sunday. Our faith is built upon action and practice, or at least its healthiest manifestation is built on action and practice.

We may not be used to thinking along the lines that Armstrong suggests. Most Christians don’t consciously equate religious doctrine to a specific set of actions. And let’s face it; it’s not that simple to translate what happens on Sunday mornings, our chief experience of religious doctrine, into our daily lives. So we believe in a Trinitarian God. Great, now what? What does that really mean? We proclaim a lot of things about that God, and we hear about God’s ongoing relationship to human beings and to us, and we struggle to do something with those proclamations. But the faith that we proclaim is not found just in the proclamation, but in the ways we do find to live it out, and how we engage that faith in an intentional way.

You’ve heard me address intentionality in our spiritual lives before. I’m sure I’ve talked about the ancient Christian practices of daily prayer and spending time in the presence of God. We talk about them again and again because spiritual practices that

help us deepen our faith and connect to God are at the center of who and what we are as Christians. It is wonderful that so many of us are able to worship together on Sundays. That is a chief cornerstone of our lives as Episcopalians; we come together to pray with one another and share the sacrament. For most of us, however, there are six days between our visits to the Eucharistic table. Our connection to God needs more than that. It needs those “constant and dedicated practice[s]”.

Michelle Heyne wrote her book for everyone to use as a tool to develop a Rule of Life – a structure to the practice of our faith that creates a rhythm of prayer and devotion in our lives. It is a companion book to one written by The Rev. Bob Gallagher, whose book, similarly titled, In Your Holy Spirit: Shaping the Parish Through Spiritual Practice, is designed for use by parish leaders who want to help the church foster the spiritual growth and development of its members. Bob and Michelle will be at Christ Church for our Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, September 27, for a parish retreat from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, based on the subject matter of their books. (Call the office to sign up!)

Those who join us for the retreat will learn about Anglican spiritual practices and how to engage in them as a part of our day to day lives. Participants will also craft a rule of life for themselves before the end of the retreat. This work isn’t going to consist of a set of really cool things to do to improve our spiritual life, and instead takes shape around a system of spiritual living that is based on what we want and what we need to foster the growth of our spiritual life. Like so many of the offerings in the church, as I think about who might attend our retreat, I would say, “All may; some should; none must.” I hope you’ll consider joining us.

Tom+

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.