Sometimes we try to make things pretty complicated when we seek to deepen our relationship with God. We buy books (some of which we actually read), we try all sorts of different prayer techniques, and we look for the next best guru to guide us. As Roger Owens shares in his new book “What We Need is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality”, a voice told him Let Me be your Teacher. You are always looking for a new teacher, a new insight, a new way, but I am the Way, and that is enough. Can you trust that? Everything you need to live life with Me – I have already given you.
Throughout the book, Owens brings us back to the basics and reminds us how to meditate on the Gospels, pray the Psalms, spend time in silence and to pay attention in a fresh way in worship and while feasting at communion. He reminds us of the importance of having a Spiritual Director or friend to discuss our life of prayer and practice of faith. And he reminds us of the importance of being with the poor, learning their stories and sharing your own.
As I read Owens book as one of those recommended in preparation for the NC 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation this fall, I found myself realizing that none of this is new stuff. And I’m certain that was exactly his point. Roger was simply sharing how he returned to the heart of Christian spirituality by keeping is simple and realizing that Jesus is enough. Jesus offers us everything that we need to flourish in our life with God. So let’s keep it simple sweetie, and get back to the basics.
Shalom y’all,
Roger Owens will be one of the presenters at our upcoming NC 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation coming up October 1-6, 2017 at the Trinity Center on the North Carolina coast. To learn more visit: https://nccumc.org/spiritual-formation/speakers-announced-2017-5-day-academy-spiritual-formation/.
If you would like to print or share this edition of Claire…ification,
you are encouraged to use this pdf:
Claire – Keep It Simple Sweetie – 08.01.2017
To read past editions – you are encouraged to follow this link:
http://capitaldistrictnc.org/clarie-ificaton/
