Women engaged. Ruth Barton’s “Sacred Rhythms.” Current podcast “Guided Prayer: broken identities” with Michelle M. Sharp.

image shot at Los Poblanos open space, New Mexico

Current Readings

Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Barton

I find myself midway through this engaging reading on rhythms and how to arrange “our lives for spiritual transformation.”  The chapter on discernment practices “requires us to go beyond the basics”--to notice our inner dynamics where we hear desire and calling, consolation and desolation so we grow in our “capacity to discern.”  

Our friendship with God is cultivated through prayer, times of quiet listening, and alert awareness. (p. 116) 

Also midway is the chapter on Sabbath. How to shape our day of rest from work “to devote to reverence of God and rest from toil...the heart opens”  Does this sound inviting? 

“A peace descends upon our lives when we accept what is real rather than always pushing our limits.”

Holy Listening : The Art of Spiritual Direction by Margaret Guenther

I have gained so much from rereading this book, and its chapter titled “Good Teachers.” Coming from the field of teaching, I have learned as Guenther shares good teachers are “simultaneously learners and teachers.” In the new path of spiritual direction, this simultaneousness is very present, finding one who guides must first be guided, and share the path together.

Our greatest Model of a good teacher is Jesus himself.

An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling

Jesus: A Gospel by Henri Nouwen

Nouwen gently speaks in his own words, always uses Scripture to guide the heart of his readers, and challenges me to trust in Jesus as He leads the way in the journey of my faith. As I’ve been slowly reading these pages, they always seem to be ‘right’ for the day.  Last night, I read from “The Raising of Lazarus” —where Nouwen takes this well known event and gives light into not only the resurrection of Lazarus, but how God might be or is calling Melanie, Come Out! (insert your own name)  

Nouwen writes,

“Walk and don’t be afraid. Don’t want to have it all charted out for you. Let it happen. Let something new grow. That is the walk of faith--walking with the Lord, always walking away from familiar places...”

”Perfect love casts out all fear.” (p.79)

I encourage you to pick up this reading or one of Henri Nouwen’s books, and listen gently, being guided by the Spirit of God, and glean from one who followed the path of Jesus wholly. 

Podcasts:

Guided Prayer Broken Identities: Prayer for the Workaholic with Michelle Marie Sharp presented by Faith Community Church also found on Spotify Guided Prayer

Discerning Leader with Steve Macchia

Turning to the Mystics St John of the Cross sessions