At different points through time, the Church has focused on different areas of spiritual formation. All of these different areas are important to spiritual formation; however, there is a tendency to focus on a couple while neglecting others. So that we can approach our walk with God in a holistic way, not neglecting certain areas, we try to write each day of devotionals from a different viewpoint as to be reminded weekly of different areas that we need to grow in.
Here are the areas that each day focuses. Also noted are times where each area was characterized by the Church and key people that helped bring that area into focus.
Friday: Incarnational Worship-Living the Experiential Life
(21st Century-Rich Mullins, Matt Redmond)
...focuses upon becoming more real in our faith and allowing that to become more relevant throughout our day. This spiritual dimension addresses the fragmentation of our lives and helps us move to live more holistic as an entirety.
Saturday: Social Justice-Living the Compassionate Life
(12th Century-Francis of Assisi)
...focuses upon justice and shalom in all human relationships and social structures. This spiritual dimension addresses the gospel imperative for equity and compassion among all peoples.
Sunday: Contemplative-Living the Prayer-Filled Life
(4th Century-Antony of Egypt)
...focuses upon intimacy with God and depth of spirituality. This spiritual dimension addresses the longing for a deeper, more vital Christian experience. Heart (emotions) + Mind (thoughts) =
Monday: Incarnational-Living the Sacramental Life
(18th Century-Zinzendorf)
...focuses upon making present and visible the realm of the invisible spirit. This spiritual dimension addresses the crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life.
Tuesday: Holiness-Living the Virtuous Life
(18th Century-Charles Wesley)
...focuses upon personal moral transformation and the power to develop "holy habits." This spiritual dimension addresses the erosion of moral fiber in personal and social life.
Wednesday-Charismatic-Living the Spirit-Empowered Life
(17th Century-George Fox)
...focuses upon the charisms of the Spirit and worship. This spiritual dimension addresses the yearning for the immediacy of God's presence among his people.
Thursday-Evangelical-Living the Word-Centered Life
(16th Century-Martin Luther)
...focuses upon the proclamation of the evangel, the good news of the gospel. This spiritual dimension addresses the need for people to see the good news lived and hear the good news proclaimed.
This follows the pattern in A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Smith/Graybeal, 1993, Harper/Collins
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