Have you seen the series of books with the title “The Spirituality of - - - Wine, Gardening, Food, Pets” etc ? It seems as if spirituality is very much in fashion. People feel comfortable to name themselves as spiritual but run a mile at the thought of being called religious. I can well understand why this might be; after all, terrible atrocities have been committed in the name of religion and the Christian religion is becoming sidelined in today’s society.
Even so, many people are on a quest for spiritual well-being. They might engage in meditation, yoga, commune with nature, or eat a special diet: all as part of the search of becoming spiritually grounded. Those of us that would name ourselves as Christian are often very attuned to many of these lifestyle choices.
Why is it then, that some of us, who are intentionally exploring the Christian faith, do not think to include the Spirit in our search for spiritual well-being? In traditional Christian mysticism, clearing the mind was often seen as a prelude to opening oneself to the Holy Spirit. A very early Celtic prayer, speaks of resting in the Spirit in her “sun garden of love”.
As the days grow shorter again and we turn our faces to the late summer sun this holiday weekend, I encourage you to take some time and open yourself to the Spirit. As the United Church’s “Song of Faith” says:
We sing of the Spirit
Who speaks our prayers of deepest longing
And enfolds our concerns and confessions
Transforming us and the world.
Believe it or not? Come and join us on Sunday, as we reflect on what we believe about Gods’ Spirit and share a communion meal together.
Blessings, Karen
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