There are many writers, some current, some from the past, who have found ways toward “spiritual transformation” that we study and learn from, some as recent as Richard Rohr, Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen, but others as far back as John Wesley and the Desert Fathers and Mothers from the fourth century. They all tell us that they didn’t lead perfect lives, but the effort leads to fuller, more productive lives. 

We know that God desires a close relationship with us and that the Holy Spirit helps us communicate with Him. We believe that God knows each of us by name and endows each of us with unique talents and expects each of us to share and serve the world in our own way. The question is how to get closer to God’s will. A closer relationship with God helps us to know God’s will for our life. I think the members of our group would agree that our time together has helped lead us to a closer relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. It can also be a source of inner strength for life’s challenges. It certainly was for me.

Our practice builds on four principles:

• The Bible is essential and we explore deeper ways to ask the Bible to speak to us, rather than “studying” or asking an expert to explain it to us. The practice of spiritual reading is called Lectio Divina.
• Prayer is also essential and we put more focus on listening for God’s message to us personally than asking God to grant us our needs. The practice is sometimes called Centering Prayer.
• The presence of a community is essential. As Paul was spreading the gospel through the pagan world, he formed communities. We study together, pray together and share our thoughts. This is one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
• And, if we learn to pay attention we can see God’s presence in our everyday lives.

In John’s gospel we hear Jesus’ words, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)

Come join us! We meet Tuesday evenings at 6 pm in the church library.

Dr. B.W. Ruffner