Spiritual Practice Resources
Through Spiritual Practice we learn to listen for God’s Spirit and discern invitations to share God’s love.
We hope that these resources will help to guide you on your spiritual journey.
We hope that these resources will help to guide you on your spiritual journey.
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Let the Spirit Breathe
Where is the Holy Spirit leading you? When we respond to God's nudging, amazing things can happen! "When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be." D&C 164:9b
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According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, which also includes God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ).
The Holy Spirit is often seen as the presence of God in the world and within believers, guiding and empowering them to live according to God's will. Some key aspects of the Holy Spirit described in the Bible are:
The Holy Spirit is often seen as the presence of God in the world and within believers, guiding and empowering them to live according to God's will. Some key aspects of the Holy Spirit described in the Bible are:
Comforter and Counselor: In John 14:26, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Counselor" who will teach and remind believers of everything Jesus has spoken. This indicates the Holy Spirit's role in providing guidance, wisdom, and support.
Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which describes the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence signifies a close and personal relationship between God and the believer.
Source of Power: Acts 1:8 mentions that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ. This power is not just for miraculous acts but also for living a life that reflects God's character and love.
Convicter of Sin: In John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This means the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making people aware of their need for forgiveness and a relationship with God.
Giver of Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 describes how the Holy Spirit distributes various spiritual gifts to believers for the common good. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and more, empowering the church to fulfill its mission.
Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which describes the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence signifies a close and personal relationship between God and the believer.
Source of Power: Acts 1:8 mentions that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be witnesses for Christ. This power is not just for miraculous acts but also for living a life that reflects God's character and love.
Convicter of Sin: In John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This means the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making people aware of their need for forgiveness and a relationship with God.
Giver of Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 describes how the Holy Spirit distributes various spiritual gifts to believers for the common good. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and more, empowering the church to fulfill its mission.
Are you Spiritually Fit?
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It is hard to stay spiritually fit if you only exercise once a week on Sunday morning. Maintaining spiritual fitness is much like maintaining physical fitness; it requires consistent effort and dedication beyond just a single hour each week. Here are a few tips to help you stay spiritually fit throughout the week:
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Daily Meditation or Prayer
Setting aside a few minutes each day for meditation or prayer can help you stay connected to your spiritual beliefs. This daily practice can be a powerful way to center yourself and find peace amid the chaos.
Setting aside a few minutes each day for meditation or prayer can help you stay connected to your spiritual beliefs. This daily practice can be a powerful way to center yourself and find peace amid the chaos.
Reading Spiritual Texts
Incorporating daily or weekly readings from spiritual or inspirational texts can provide guidance and keep your mind focused on your spiritual path. This could be scripture, literature, or even daily devotionals.
Incorporating daily or weekly readings from spiritual or inspirational texts can provide guidance and keep your mind focused on your spiritual path. This could be scripture, literature, or even daily devotionals.
Reflective Journaling
Take time to reflect on your thoughts and experiences through journaling. Writing about your spiritual journey can help you process your feelings, recognize growth, and set intentions for the future.
Take time to reflect on your thoughts and experiences through journaling. Writing about your spiritual journey can help you process your feelings, recognize growth, and set intentions for the future.
Mindfulness and Presence
Practice being present in your daily activities. Whether it’s through mindful breathing, paying attention to your surroundings, or simply being present in conversations, mindfulness can help you stay connected to your spiritual self.
Practice being present in your daily activities. Whether it’s through mindful breathing, paying attention to your surroundings, or simply being present in conversations, mindfulness can help you stay connected to your spiritual self.
Remember, spiritual fitness is a journey, not a destination. By incorporating consistent practices into your daily life, you can nurture and strengthen your spiritual well-being beyond just one hour a week on Sunday morning.
Are you Spiritual but not Religious?
Many profess to be Spiritual, but not Religious. There is a desire to be spiritual, but not to be part of organized religion. If you subscribe to this belief, we invite you to check out our Spiritual Practice Resources.
This trend of being spiritual but not religious has been on the rise in recent years, especially among younger generations.
Some people feel that organized religion is too rigid and does not align with their personal beliefs and values. Others may have had negative experiences with religion in the past. However, being spiritual does not necessarily mean that one has to completely reject organized religion.
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There are many ways to cultivate spirituality without belonging to a specific religious institution. Some people find solace in nature and spend time outdoors to connect with a higher power. Others may practice meditation or mindfulness to achieve a sense of inner peace and clarity. Still, others may explore various spiritual practices from different religions to create their own personalized spiritual path.
It's important to remember that spirituality is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to stay open-minded and continue exploring different avenues until one finds what resonates with them.
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Are you a Person of Faith but not Religious?
Many people profess to be a Person of Faith, but not Religious. There is a desire to be faithful, but not to be part of organized religion. Individuals who consider themselves to be a Person of Faith but not religious hold a unique perspective on faith.
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For many people, the decision to explore their faith independently is a way of distancing themselves from the negative aspects of organized religion. This could include the actions of religious leaders, the exclusion of certain groups, or the rigid rules and regulations that some organized religions impose.
Being a Person of Faith but not Religious can also mean that an individual is seeking a more personal connection with their spirituality.
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However, being a Person of Faith but not Religious doesn't necessarily mean that an individual is entirely disconnected from religious traditions. Many people who fall into this category still draw inspiration from religious texts or teachings and may incorporate aspects of organized religion into their personal beliefs and practices.
Community of Christ may resonate with those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious because of its emphasis on personal spiritual experiences and individual journeys. Rather than prescribing rigid dogmas or doctrines, this faith community encourages members to seek their own understanding of spirituality and to develop a personal relationship with the divine.
Community of Christ values community, social justice, and peacemaking, aligning with the principles and values that many spiritual but not religious individuals hold dear. By actively engaging in efforts to promote equality, compassion, and environmental stewardship, this faith community provides a platform for individuals to live out their values and make a positive impact in the world.
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Community of Christ offers a sense of belonging and connection without the pressure to conform to a specific set of beliefs or practices. Whether you are exploring your spirituality, seeking a supportive community, or looking for opportunities to make a difference, this faith community welcomes you with open arms and encourages you to be your authentic self.
For those who identify as persons of faith but not religious, Community of Christ offers a unique and inclusive spiritual home where individuality is celebrated, community is valued, and social justice is prioritized. If you are looking for a faith community that respects your personal journey and encourages you to live out your values in a supportive environment, the Community of Christ may just be the spiritual home you have been searching for.
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Spiritual Practices in Topeka Community of Christ Worship Services
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Our congregation offers a welcoming environment where worshipers can experience a profound connection with their spirituality. A variety of spiritual practices are incorporated into worship services, creating a holistic and enriching experience for those in attendance. |
Meditation and Mindfulness
One of the foundational spiritual practices integrated into the Topeka Community of Christ worship services is meditation. At the beginning of each service, attendees are invited to engage in a few minutes of silent meditation. This practice allows individuals to center themselves, clear their minds, and prepare their hearts for worship. The congregation believes that starting with mindfulness sets a positive tone for the entire service and helps attendees be fully present in the moment.
One of the foundational spiritual practices integrated into the Topeka Community of Christ worship services is meditation. At the beginning of each service, attendees are invited to engage in a few minutes of silent meditation. This practice allows individuals to center themselves, clear their minds, and prepare their hearts for worship. The congregation believes that starting with mindfulness sets a positive tone for the entire service and helps attendees be fully present in the moment.
Inclusive Music and Worship
Music plays a central role in the spiritual practice of our faith community. The Topeka congregation embraces a diverse range of musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship songs, ensuring that everyone feels included and uplifted. Singing together fosters a sense of unity and joy, allowing participants to express their faith through melody and lyrics.
Music plays a central role in the spiritual practice of our faith community. The Topeka congregation embraces a diverse range of musical styles, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship songs, ensuring that everyone feels included and uplifted. Singing together fosters a sense of unity and joy, allowing participants to express their faith through melody and lyrics.
Communal Prayer
Prayer is a vital component of the congregation's spiritual practice. During worship services, there are dedicated times for communal prayer, where members can voice their concerns, hopes, and gratitude. This collective act of prayer strengthens the bonds within the community and encourages mutual support.
Prayer is a vital component of the congregation's spiritual practice. During worship services, there are dedicated times for communal prayer, where members can voice their concerns, hopes, and gratitude. This collective act of prayer strengthens the bonds within the community and encourages mutual support.
Reflection and Shared Experiences
The congregation also emphasizes the importance of reflection and shared experiences. In some worship services members are encouraged to engage in small group discussions. These conversations allow individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain new insights, and build deeper connections with one another. By sharing personal experiences and interpretations, the congregation fosters a rich tapestry of spiritual growth and understanding.
The congregation also emphasizes the importance of reflection and shared experiences. In some worship services members are encouraged to engage in small group discussions. These conversations allow individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain new insights, and build deeper connections with one another. By sharing personal experiences and interpretations, the congregation fosters a rich tapestry of spiritual growth and understanding.
Incorporating spiritual practices into worship services not only enriches the individual journey of each member but also strengthens the community as a whole. The Topeka Community of Christ congregation continues to be a beacon of faith and fellowship, offering a welcoming space for all who seek spiritual nourishment and growth.
The Center for Living Water
Click picture to visit The Center for Living water website.
The Center for Living Water Facebook page.
Seeking spiritual transformation and peaceful living through practice and action The Center for Living Water is both a sacred place and a movement.
Offerings of the Center are sponsored by Community of Christ at its Worldwide Headquarters in Independence, MO, a space dedicated to peace, and intentionally designed to be welcoming to all people. The Community of Christ Temple campus is home to an inclusive sanctuary, rooms for meditation and practice, diverse international displays of art, and a rooftop community labyrinth.
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Through practice and action, our mission is to be a wellspring of life in the community. As diverse participants come together for personal spiritual practice, discernment, and community gatherings, a collective movement towards peace and justice emerges. As this movement takes shape, like living water, compassionate responses will flow and give life beyond the walls of offerings at the Center.
Our goal must not be to wait for the world to stabilize around us so we can have meaningful, spiritual experiences. Rather, we must seek to understand the deeper spiritual invitation that is present in the midst of challenges, uncertainty, and difficult questions, moving forward with hope for a peaceful world emerging.
Project Zion Podcast Episode 459: The Center for Living Water
The Center for Living Water is a ministry from Community of Christ’s Temple in Independence, Missouri. Learn more about the purpose of the Center and how you can get involved in this spiritual movement on this episode of What’s Brewing. Host: Carla Long Guest: Daniel Harmon
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Community Of Christ Spiritual Formation Ministries
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“Being spiritually formed is foundational to obtaining a clear and compelling vision of mission. A compelling sense of mission springs from the overflow of deep communion with the Spirit.” Steve Veazey
Spiritual Formation awakens disciples to the Divine Presence in the midst of everyday life.
Community of Christ Spiritual Formation Ministries offers a three-year program for spiritual seekers, companions, and leaders. This program is only offered in English.
Participants will gain knowledge and skills in the history, tradition, and practice of Christian spiritual formation through experiential and academic learning, worship, small group communities, Spiritual Direction, and spiritual practices.
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Want to learn more? Please visit the Community of Christ Spiritual Formation Ministries Web page.
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What is Spirituality?
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What is spirituality and how does it differ from religion and philosophy? John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place will attempt to unpack our many different uses of the word “spirituality.” The focus will be on: (1) concern with the interior life of individuals, (2) belief in the otherworldly, (3) mysticism and ecstatic connection with the divine, (4) Western elite esotericism and occultism, (5) Anti-clericalism, (6) Western folk magic, (7) 19th Century spiritualists, (8) Western appropriation of alien traditions, (9) New Age eclecticism, and (10) Neo-paganism.
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What Is the Holy Spirit?
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Christian theologians present God as a Trinity of three persons. However, many people associate the word “God” with the first person alone, the Father. This can lead to the heretical view of Jesus Christ as a superhuman figure wholly separate from God, and the Spirit as some kind of ethereal, impersonal force or energy. Yet, Christianity affirms that the Spirit is a person and is God. So, who or what is the Holy Spirit?
In this lecture, John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place will trace the biblical roots of the Spirit of God and the evolution of the Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit as God. We will consider both ancient and modern understandings of the Trinity, from St. Augustine’s “Lover, Beloved, Love” to the “Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer” model proposed by some modern theologians. |
All Things Are Spiritual
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Exploring the daily implications of a spiritual life.
Click the picture to go to the All Things Are Spiritual Website.
We are spiritual and physical beings living in a complex web of life, interconnected with one another and all creation. The spiritual journey is deeply personal and at the same time takes us on life-changing journeys outside ourselves. It is about being and doing, contemplation and action, becoming and living.
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The All Things Are Spiritual web page explores how spirituality intersects every dimension of life.
YOU are welcome here. Let’s make the world a better place from the inside out together.
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Project Zion Podcast
Would you like to pursue the topic of Spiritual Practices further?
Would you like to pursue the topic of Spiritual Practices further?
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The staff at Project Zion Podcast have interviewed multiple guests about various spiritual practices.
The podcast is sponsored by the Latter-day Seeker Ministries team of Community of Christ. You will find a complete listing of their podcasts on the Project Zion Podcast website, which can be downloaded for free.
Project Zion Podcast
Spirituality Episodes |
PZP SERIES: AWAKEN TO GOD'S PRESENCE Created in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this series features guided spiritual practices to help you connect with the Divine no matter where you are or what’s going on around you. The original set is A1 thru A10. More guided practices are added periodically. Push pause on your life for fifteen minutes and receive a gift of peace…in the midst of the storm. PZP SERIES: HOLY GROUNDS For those who want to do a deep dive and explore the many dimensions and facets of spirituality. Learn about spiritual types (yes that’s a thing) and more as beautifully diverse people share a plethora of spiritual practices that bring rooted connection and meaning into their lives, and possibly ours. |
Looking for information about the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?
