Making Intentional Time for God

     Feeling spiritually empty?  Like you're not feeling God in your life?  It's something that a lot of people struggle with.  One of the things I appreciate about CMU is how we create an environment that helps keep us close to God.  One recent example of this is a small group that has been formulated with the intent of spending intentional time with God.  Every week day, for an hour, this group gets together to spend time in silent reflection with God.  We read through the Psalms, one a day, and then spend some time in silence, making space for God.  The practice is called Lectio Divina, or spiritual reading, and it is a practice that Christians have used for thousands of years to help facilitate connections with God.

     Spiritual disciplines are a bit of a paradox.  They don't create intimacy with God, but when practised regularly they can create good conditions for God to move in our lives.  These disciplines include prayer, fasting, spiritual reading, and many others.  They can be very important in opening us up to intimacy with God.

    One class that has helped me a great deal in this regard is Exploring Christian Spirituality.  This intensive class pushed me to articulate my understanding of Christian spirituality and to practice spiritual disciplines.  My idea of Christianity greatly changed through the experiences I had that semester.  I learned that the impetus was at least partially on me as an individual to cultivate opportunities for God to enter my life.  

     If you're interested in spiritual disciplines, a great place to start is Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson.  It's an easy read, and a good introduction to spiritual disciplines and practices.

    What I especially appreciate about this group is the community aspect.  I feel so much more comfortable spending time with God if it is with others as well.  Going on the journey together provides us with a support network, as well as ongoing opportunities to help others.  
     If you are on campus and want to join, swing by Lee's apartment in Katherine Friesen Apartments at 10:30 in the morning Monday to Friday.  If you don't live here, maybe you want to experiment with some spiritual disciplines, either with others or by yourself.  The spiritual growth can be amazing!

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