Discovering Ways to Nourish Your Spirit
On a Saturday in late May, I journeyed to Jesse Lee Memorial UMC in Ridgefield, Conn. and joined with others in a time of worship, teaching and prayer focused on “The Healing Power of Praise.” The prayer and healing ministry of that church sponsored the event; the speakers were Pastor Debbi Mygatt, Rev. Bill Pfohl and Henric Idestrom. My spirit was wonderfully blest. It was great to take this extended time to praise God . . . just for who God is!
This is what Elaine Winward, director of lay speaking for the New York-Connecticut District and a team member of the healing prayer ministry, says about what it means in her life:
“‘What I notice is that when I spend a good deal of time in God’s presence, in prayer, praise, and in the Word, my prayers then, are more powerful in praying for others.
“This is encouraging and assures me of God’s response to prayer. Being in this prayer mode seems like a spiritual investment account that blesses me and in turn allows me to be a blessing to others. This naturally builds up my own spiritual health, and raises my sense of God’s hand in my life”’
Elaine sometimes speaks at the prayer services. Please check their web site www.prayandsee.org for weekly offerings, and upcoming events.
You might also want to consider Wellspring, a two-year spiritual growth program for laity and clergy, sponsored by the New York Annual Conference. Monthly retreats are held at Bethany Spirituality Center in Highland Mills, N.Y. As a member of Wellspring Class II, one of the spiritual practices from which I derive so much is that of solitude and silence. Experiencing God’s presence in the silence is a habit which is increasingly permeating my daily life, and what a gift! Another of my Wellspring gifts this year is the opportunity to be in a covenantal relationship with a small group of Christians, and to have friends who listen to you, and share in your joys and struggles.
This is what another Wellspringer, Kathi McCleery, has gained from her participation in the program:
“Many different ways to listen to God, to find the Spirit’s movement in my life. And why was that important? You will be surprised at the many problems that Spirit can solve for you if you only learn to listen! Shalom—peace in body, mind, heart, and soul, the peace that passes all understanding—will be yours.”
For more information about Wellspring, contact Director Gail Erdie, at 845-255-8058. A new class is starting in September; the schedule and application can be found by clicking here>> .
It is a good thing to get away from one’s regular schedule and to attend a program like Wellspring or a conference like I did at Ridgefield. However, our spirits require daily nourishment. So a diet that fits our circumstances wherever we may be is recommended:
Daily prayer and reading of the scriptures.
Learn to praise God through singing and movement.
Journal what you hear God saying through scripture, nature, and dreams.
Develop the habit of holy listening. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time.
Ask God to lead you to a small group with whom you may engage in an accountable spiritual relationship (covenant group)
Find out what your spiritual gifts are, and use them lavishly to serve others.