Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Communion

Today we explore the concept of Communion. Communion is about more than our celebrations at the table, it is about the body of Christ gathered together. How can we remember our connection not only to Christ but to one another in times like this when it is less safe to physically gather in the same space? 

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Study

In today’s post, we will look at maintaining the discipline of Study. Even in times of isolation, it is important to continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God, faith, and one another. We will also consider the importance of studying with others and ways we can continue to do this even as we maintain physical separation.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Music

For many people in the church, if you ask them when they most feel God’s presence in worship, they will say something about the music. Religious music, worship music, no matter the genre, is meant on some level to foster an experience of God’s presence. How many people have shed tears of joy during a particularly well done organ piece or choral anthem? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, how many have felt themselves pulled out of a time of worship by a discordant piece that does not seem to fit the moment?

Music has the ability to instill in us a sense of divine presence and majesty. And when we join together in song, we are given the opportunity to respond to God’s work in our lives. This is why many of the classic masterpieces we appreciate were originally written as religious pieces. It is why those of us who are Methodists are called “a singing people.” It is why we get teary when we hear voices that bring to mind angels. Music is an integral part of our faith.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Bible

The Bible holds a place of privilege in Christian faith. Spanning thousands of years, it tells a story of God’s relationship with humanity. The Hebrew scriptures, most commonly called in Christianity the Old Testament, tell a story of creation, salvation, loss, and hope from the perspective of the Hebrew people. Chosen by God to be a light to the nations, we learn about the trials, struggles, successes, and failures of generations of those devoted to God.

For Christians, this story culminates in the story of Jesus in Christian texts known as the New Testament. Jesus was a Jewish man living in Roman occupied Palestine around 2,000 years ago. He grew up in the traditions of his ancestors and was well versed in the Hebrew scriptures. And so we read his story with all that came before in mind. The Gospels (literally “good news”) tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The remaining books of the New Testament give us a glimpse into the early happenings and teachings of the church. How did the early church leaders interpret what Jesus had lived and taught? How did the early church live out their calling to continue what Jesus had started in the world?

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Centering

Previously, we looked to prayer as one means of coping with the chaos and uncertainty of times like this. We discussed the role of honestly sharing not only our joys and praises with God, but also our laments and our griefs. We looked at using the daily office as a means of marking time and providing structure to our days. And we looked at reaching out to a prayer partner to hold ourselves accountable and to provide us with much needed social interaction.

Today we turn to a more individual form of prayer, centering. In general, centering is about finding peace in the midst of chaos and slowing things down to make ourselves more aware of the world around us. Through centering, we let go of our fears and worries and attempt to bring balance to our inner thoughts. The idea of centering has a home in many traditions and disciplines, from religion to martial arts to modern psychology.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: Prayer

Communication is a key aspect of all relationships. It is extremely difficult to have a relationship with someone with whom you have no way of communicating. This communication can take many forms, from speaking to writing to nonverbal cues such as a raised eyebrow or a gently squeezed hand.

Our relationship with God is no different. It requires communication.

Obviously one of the primary ways we communicate with God is through prayer. We turn to God in moments of individual prayer and communal prayer, in prayers spoken out loud and prayers offered in silence, in carefully scripted prayers and in prayers that flow forth spontaneously. Prayer is a time for us to offer to God all that we are thinking, feeling, and desiring in that moment.

Spiritual Practices in Times of Crisis and Isolation: An Introduction

With everything going on in the world right now, I know that there are those in need of support and guidance. Many people are feeling disconnected, out of sorts, and anxious. Some of you may be feeling alone and struggling with acute fear. And some may be feeling simply overwhelmed with all of their different emotions. This time of both crisis and isolation is affecting everyone in different ways, and can have an enormous impact on people’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

For over 15 years, I have been studying and teaching Christian spirituality. Drawing on my knowledge and experience, I am writing this series as an aid for those who are seeking ways to settle themselves and to maintain their spiritual well-being in our current situation. Over the course of this series, we will delve into practices that seem almost ideally suited to not only our present time but also to other times of calamity and uncertainty. Some of these are based on ancient practices with little adaptation. We will see that other of these practices are adapted in ways that would have been difficult if not impossible in previous generations. Each session will touch on practical approaches to these relatively broad topics.

Today, we will look briefly at what I mean when I talk about spirituality and introduce our upcoming topics.