But I strongly encourage you to find local community where you can see, touch, hear and be energized and encouraged. Sometimes we need hugs. We need people to grow and thrive in our new faith. We need their friendships, support, mentoring, guidance and wisdom. We need their human kindness, humor and companionship. It is very hard to successfully live the Christian life without affirming, beloved community. That’s the way it is. Jesus was famous for bringing people into community. If community was that important to Jesus, it should be that important to us.

Prayer: God, through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, help each reader find local and virtual spiritual communities that will grow and nurture their new life in Christ. And it is in the name of Jesus Christ that we pray for these things. Amen.

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Day 2: Peace with God

"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

"The Kotzker Rebbe was asked by his students, "Tell us, rebbe, where is God?" Came the Rebbe’s response, "Wherever you let God in."

Let’s take a moment and review God’s precious and unconditional, free and generous gift to us before proceeding any further.

There are many people searching for peace with God. Yet God is nearer than our breathing, closer than our hands and feet. It is God’s wish to live rent-free in our hearts forever. God desires to bless us with a priceless gift that all the money, power and prestige in the world cannot buy. God’s gift is totally free and accepted by faith alone. It cannot be bought, bribed, compromised, or accepted conditionally. It is not earned through good deeds, changing sexual orientations, or by committing random acts of kindness and beauty. This priceless gift is peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

God will not rest until we are found. We are born with a literal hole in our heart that only God can fill. We search throughout the world for fame, fortune and fulfillment. But only God can satisfy our deepest needs and yearnings for wholeness. God is here, ready and waiting to enter our hearts forever through Jesus.

Letting God live in your heart forever is as simple as breathing "yes" as your prayer. No one can take God’s peace away from you! In saying yes to God, we are marked, sealed and blessed with God’s great gift of peace and eternal life through Jesus Christ forever. Once "saved," always saved. It’s that simple.

By letting God into our lives, we are called to a lifetime of spiritual apprenticeship known as discipleship. The very first word in the Bible to describe followers of Jesus is "disciple." As disciples of Jesus Christ, we will experience new lives that lead to meaningful service to God and others. Many people are surprised to learn that "disciple" is the first documented word in the Bible to describe Christians. Sometimes Christians actually experience trouble and persecution in their public identity with Christ. But God will help us moment by moment, day by day. God wishes to use us in remarkable and extraordinary ways.

Our proper response to God should be a daily, frequent response of gratitude. Meister Eckhard, a famous 15<sup>th</sup> century Christian mystic often said, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

Learn to say thank you often in your prayers.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for new life in Jesus Christ through the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for strength for this day and for living in our hearts forever. Thank you for Jesus Christ, inner peace and joy. Teach us how to live extraordinary new lives in Christ. Amen.

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Day 3: God is reaching out through us

"One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said…"We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said…" John 1:40-42a

God is reaching out to us and through us today. There are many people searching for inner peace, meaningful lives and relationships with God. Consider quietly and graciously sharing your faith story and experiences with someone when opportunity comes your way. Sharing your faith is an important part of discipleship. There are times when we will share our experiences with friends and family members, just like Andrew did with his brother Simon Peter. Then there will be times when God will use us in spiritual conversations with complete strangers.

Years ago, I lived in Miami, Florida. I loved going to South Beach for sunsets and walks. A favorite spot was at the mouth of the harbor entrance. Huge swells would crash on the breakers. Many small boaters would bravely ride the waves amidst larger boat traffic. I especially loved watching the huge cruise ships and freighters entering and leaving the harbor. Seeing all that activity was energizing. It was a popular place for people of all ages.

One evening the sunset seemed especially marvelous. I remember gazing at the beautiful sky with delight and awe. "Oh God," I thought, "this is so beautiful that I would like to share it with someone. I would like to tell someone about you." Suddenly a young man left a group of his friends and approached me. "Excuse me," he shyly asked, "but can you tell me about God?" I was flabbergasted and completely surprised by God. I had never seen this man before. He was a total stranger.

God delights to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. God will bring divine appointments and conversations our way when we are open to them. God does not expect us to convert, manipulate or pressure people into making decisions. But God does expect us to share our experiences with those who are searching for God.

While that young man’s friends laughed and joked nearby, we had a quiet talk about knowing the God who painted the sunset with such grace and beauty night after night. The stranger left as quietly as he had approached. As he and his friends left the beach, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude that God had used me of all people, to share a little bit about Jesus with a stranger.

God can use you too. There are people who will be interested in hearing about God through your personal experiences with Jesus. God will bring you into Divine appointments. Prayerfully share your personal experience in God. Share what you know about the Amazing One, Jesus Christ and trust God to do the rest.

Sharing our experiences with God is part of discipleship.

Prayer: Bless us with your peace, God. Thank you for Jesus Christ. Help us share your peace with others. Amen.

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Day 4: Read the Bible daily to know, love and serve God

"For the love of God urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And Christ died for all, so that those who live might live no more for themselves, but for the one who died and was raised from them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view, even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view. We know Christ no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything is new. All this is from God, with whom we have been reconciled through Christ…so we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is exhorting you through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

As spiritual infants, we need to grow up in the faith and learn the basics about knowing, loving and serving God. We are what we eat. The Bible is an important part of our spiritual nourishment. We are empowered and energized as we meet with God in the open pages of the Good Book. It is full of wonderful words of life.

There are many different Bible reading plans, paraphrases and translation. There is a confusing array of study aids and resources for the new believer. As Peter Gnomes, Preacher to Harvard University writes in The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, opening the Bible is the easy part. What to do with it once it is opened is more difficult! But do get started today and your life will begin changing.

A good place to begin a new life of Bible reading is in the gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The gospels are full of fascinating stories about real people meeting God through Jesus Christ. Their stories become our stories as we laugh and cry with them. We find ourselves identifying with their questions and human frailties, doubts and realities as they followed Jesus in spiritual apprenticeship. This is a process and takes time, attention and obedience to Jesus Christ. The gospels offer us rich insights of what it means to follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength.

Approximately 80% of what we need to learn about discipleship are found in the gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you read one chapter a day in the gospels, you could finish them in 90 days. They will energize and empower you for life. Reading them begins an adventure with God. They have amazing spiritual power to transform lives.

As disciples, God’s love motivates our lives. In Jesus Christ we are reborn into new creations. We are literally ambassadors of Jesus.

Yes, daily Bible reading can help you know, love and serve God better. Through holy words, we begin to learn and mind and heart of Christ. This is part of discipleship.

Prayer: God, help us grow as disciples through holy readings. Amen.

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Day 5: More about the Bible and other good resources

"I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

The Bible is actually a powerful and revered collection of 66 ancient books written thousands of years ago by a variety of ancient Hebrew and early Christian authors. The Bible is a complex library that was brought together over a period of centuries, as people struggled to bring the Divine and human together. God spoke through people who wrote. These writers brought people closer to God. Some wrote in poetry, others wrote history, law or wisdom books. But they always wrote about the relationships between God and people. The writers also described human responses to God’s initiative.

It takes a certain amount of dedicated study and discipline to read and is well worth the effort. Consider reading it in its entirety within a year. That is a great accomplishment and worthy spiritual goal in your lifetime. There are some people who enjoy reading it from cover to cover every year.

The Bible has 1,189 chapters. To read all of it, an average of 3.26 chapters need to be read daily in the combined Old and New Testaments. There are many guides available that break this down to about 15 minutes a day.

The more honest we are with our needs, struggles and feelings, the more authentic and powerful our prayers. Be real with God. You’ll be glad you did.

Just today I smiled while reading some prayers posted on my home refrigerator. They are simple prayers friends have emailed to me. They are funny. Sometimes laughter has often been used as a prelude for prayer. Perhaps these Internet prayers can actually help you today.

"Dear God,

So far today I’ve done pretty good. I haven’t gossiped or lost my temper. I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, rude, selfish or over-indulgent. I’m very proud of that, thank you. But in a few minutes God, I’m going to get out of bed. And from then on, I’m gonna need as much help as I can get! Amen."

While at a local Teriyaki restaurant known for good food at cheap prices, I noticed this prayer taped over the counter by an unknown author. It reads, "Good morning, this is God! I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help, so have a good day."

About twenty years ago, I remember praying this prayer. "Hello God, it’s been many years since we’ve talked. But I need you and my life is a mess. Please help me. I cannot help myself in this situation." That prayer changed my life! Being honest with God is always a good thing. It can change your life too.

A very important part of our prayer life is a daily confession of sin. Confession is very good for our souls and helps us in our growing relationship with God. Sometimes it is good to pray informally as I did. At other times I have found it very helpful to use more formal written prayers. By changing pronouns, formal prayers written for congregational responses can become intensely personal.

Prayer: "Gracious and compassionate God, we know that you do not will that any should suffer needlessly. We confess that at times we cause others to suffer—by what we do and what we refrain from doing; by what we say or refrain from saying. We confess that at times we injure the environment and the non-human life you create. We confess that at times institutions and governments we support bring suffering to the powerless, the forgotten, the ignored of your world. Teach us your compassion, that we might not hurt creation thoughtlessly, but instead bring light and hope. In the name of Jesus, in whom we meet God, we pray. Amen."

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Day 11: A daily prayer suggestion

"For health and strength and daily bread, we give you thanks, O LORD."

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear a wonderful story about a woman who came to faith through the Internet. Over a period of time, she discovered trusted spiritual friends and guides as she searched for meaning in her life. Through one particular retreat center website, she experienced spiritual sanctuary, generosity and hospitality. Although she had never gone to church in her life and came from a secular, non-religious, non-Christian upbringing, she was hungry for inner resources to give her life direction, fulfillment and purpose.

Cyber-monk patiently answered her many emailed questions and was even available for several telephone conversations. Based on her growing trust in this Internet spiritual friend and guide, she made a personal, private pilgrimage to the retreat center and had a significant spiritual new birth experience.

You can call this a second birth, fate, destiny, conversion, new life in Christ. But whatever we call these experiences, they open up new sources of power and strength for our lives.

Many Christians enjoy praying the "Great Prayer" Jesus taught his disciples. It is more commonly known as "the Lord’s Prayer." Some people actually pray it daily and others several times a day. Consider memorizing these fifty-six words. This is certainly one way to give thanks for daily food. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one…amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)

While growing up, my family had a daily prayer for our evening meal. We would bow our heads, join hands around the dinner table and recite this in unison: "God is good and God is great. And we thank him for our food. By his hand, we all are fed. Give us Lord, our daily bread. In Jesus name, amen."

A family friend has a different prayer which is also wonderful. "Father in Heaven from above, look down upon our home in love. Keep us in health and strength each day. Give us our daily bread we pray. And for Thy gifts so full and free, we would return our thanks to Thee. Amen."

But while at a retreat last year, I was deeply impressed when one of the retreat participants spontaneously led an entire church in giving thanks for our meal through song. We sang it in rounds. Here are the words: "For health and strength and daily bread, we give you thanks, O LORD."

Singing our prayers delights God. Singing is a form of praise and thanksgiving. There are many hymnals and music books devoted to helping us experience God through music and songs. Enjoy singing to God throughout the week. Many Christian bookstores and local seminaries can provide these resources and much, much more. Singing helps us pray twice, I’ve been told.

This very simple prayer offers us a daily prayer that can change our life and daily perspective. Consider using it for your meals today. It offers great wisdom and insight in a spirit of gratitude and song.

Prayer: "For health and strength and daily bread, we give you thanks, O LORD."

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Day 12: Pray for others

"When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them…" Matthew 9:36a

Pray for others with the compassion of Christ. There is no such thing as a little prayer. Praying for others is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. Here are some of the ways to begin.

We can pray for others when we look at crowds of people. Sometimes a complete stranger can catch our eye and seem to need a prayer. We can strengthen them from a distance. I remember seeing a lost little boy in a Christmas crowd. He had obviously been separated from his family and was terrified. The child would not let any adult near him. I certainly prayed for him and rejoiced to see a policeman approach him and eventually reunite this little one with his mother.

Pray for those you see who are homeless, lost, sick, hungry, discouraged, dying, suffering, teased, tormented, lonely, afraid, alone, vulnerable, or using drugs, hanging out in gangs, criminals, victims of violence for starters. When I’m stuck in traffic, I often pray, keenly aware that road rage can erupt from such situations. I also pray while watching the news and reading newspapers. Perhaps war, famine, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires and floods have ravaged a country.

You can pray like this too, being alert to what is happening in your world. Ask God to make a difference. Ask God to help those struggling with death, destruction, illness, despair and overwhelming tragedy. Give thanks for answered prayers. Pray until you pray. Pray often. God will honor your prayers.

Do our prayers make a difference? Yes, they do. Will we ever know the results of our prayers? Often not. But we are called to pray for others quietly, daily, frequently, when God brings them to our attention and lays a deep concern on our hearts to do so.

I often run at a local high school track. Part of my daily prayer involves the students, their families and teachers. They’ll never know I’m praying, but I ask God’s protection and blessing on them, for divine guidance and resources for those in abusive, violent situations, for those struggling with sexual identity issues, addiction, depression, suicide ideation and loneliness.

It can be very helpful to have a prayer partner and be part of a local or Internet prayer group. As you grow in your new life with Christ, you may be attracted to pray in a prayer group that specifically exists to pray for others.

One excellent Internet prayer team is www.mccdc.com/inside/prayer.html. These praying saints pray for Internet visitors from three different spirituality websites. They pray for the young and old, gay and straight, sick and dying, rich and poor. They serve an international population with their English, Spanish and Portuguese prayer requests.

Interceding for others with God is a holy calling available to every one. We do not have to be part of a group, yet there is great strength and grace experienced through group praying.

Whether you pray with a prayer partner, a team, in a mid-week prayer meeting, or by yourself, pray for others with the compassion of Christ. Praying is a great privilege God entrusts us with.

Prayer: God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us pray for others with the compassion of Christ. Amen.

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Day 13: Seven days without prayer makes one weak

"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1

We each talk with God in our own way. There are many valuable prayer practices, methods, formulas and acronyms. Some are more helpful and speak more deeply to our hearts than others. Prayer is an important part of our discipleship life. Yet it is often easier to talk or read about prayer, than it is to actually pray. It is very easy to become distracted and feel too busy to pray. Or we may not know how to get started. We want to pray but struggle to get started and keep going. So please, do not be discouraged. Rather, devote yourself to this energizing and empowering spiritual lifeline to God.

1. Prayer is a gift which I can prepare myself to receive and participate in.
2. God does desire to gift us in prayer.
3. Scripture is a privileged place for meeting God.
4. Scripture is God’s word in human terms.
5. God’s self-revelation occurs in many guises.
6. All of life contains the possibility for meeting God.

Last year after speaking at a prayer breakfast, I was given a small card with the following saying: "Seven days without prayer makes one weak." Many feel too busy to pray. But pray we must, or we will become weak in our faith and discipleship life.

Some of my favorite prayer acronyms are PUSH (Pray until something happens), ACTS (Adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication), ASK (Ask, seek, knock) and ASAP (Always say a prayer).

Perhaps these will be helpful reminders for your prayer life today.

Prayer is God’s gift to us. As the desert fathers so often said, "if you want to pray, you are already praying." Delight in God’s gift to you. Love to pray.

Prayer: God, we want to pray! Amen.

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Day 14: Centering Prayer

"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1

Often prayer teachings involve using many words. In using them, we can be so busy talking to and about God that we neglect to listen deeply to God in the silence. And many cultures and lifestyles are noisy, busy and hectic. As a result, we often pray on the run as we commute to work, activities and social events. But we must talk with God daily if we are to grow in our new life with Christ.

Prayer is often learned by praying in moments of quiet and privacy, as well as on the run. God wants to have daily conversations with us! There are many simple yet profound daily practices that can help us become more attentive and available to God.

These contemplative and centering prayer practices can help us discern God’s loving holy presence throughout the day, wherever we go. They are brilliantly uncomplicated. Several resources are provided for your prayer life. Consider using them. You’ll be glad you did!

Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray. Amen.

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Day 15: Prayer resources are within each of us

"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1

Prayer resources are within each of us. Praying helps us experience God nearer than our hands and feet. Prayer helps us experience God being closer than our breathing. We pray when God seems silent and when our feelings are too deep for words. The Bible is full of hundreds of great prayers, offering many teaching and contemplative, centering prayers. Prayer is a great gift from God.

Jesus believed in prayer. He prayed and lived greatly. Prayer helped him die without fear, anger, hatred or despair. Prayer helped him die with dignity and courage, experiencing great inner peace within him and with God. Jesus was and remains the world’s greatest prayer master. The gospels never mention the disciples asking Jesus for a preaching or teaching class. Instead, they noted his deep spiritual power and asked for prayer lessons. The famous Lord’s prayer is the result of their request and this great prayer is hard to improve on.

Some of his more famous prayer habits and teachings are provided for you through the following links:

http://soulfoodministry.org/docs/sf_simplicity.htm.

http://soulfoodministry.org/docs/PrayingOurFeelings.htm

Daily prayers help us carry the inner altars of our hearts everywhere we go.

As you read these materials, jot down specific prayers that come to your heart and mind. Date and sign them. You’ll find this to be a source of great spiritual blessing and a reminder of God’s continual, gracious care and intervention in your life. Prayer changes us, world history in the making, and others. History actually belongs to the intercessors.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray. Amen.

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Day 16: A centering prayer mantra for discipleship

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your mercy. Amen." An anonymous Russian pilgrim

The Jesus prayer is famous. It has strengthened and changed countless lives throughout centuries. It can be prayed in the quiet and uninterrupted places of our prayer closets and in the busyness of our daily lives. The Jesus prayer helps us linger with God throughout the day. Consider practicing centering prayer today through meaningful repetition, such as silently repeating the Jesus prayer throughout your day.

The Jesus prayer is another way to pray scripture through meaningful repetition. Praying in the name of Jesus Christ has been a source of great power and comfort for millions. Expect miracles of grace in your life. But pray until you pray. Expect to meet God. Expect transforming moments. Be open to new ideas. Open minds mean open doors to God. Discipleship offers us many ways to pray. It is good to experiment and try cherished forms of prayers.

A fuller description of the Jesus Prayer is offered through http://soulfoodministry.org/docs/JesusPrayer.htm.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your mercy. Amen.

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Day 17: Breath and body prayer suggestions

"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1

There are many breath and body prayers. We are what we breathe. Breathing with God helps us center and find inner resources. Simple symbolic movements can bring holy and delightful changes into our prayer lives. Through sitting, walking, standing, kneeling, moving our bodies, we can experience loving holy presence in many new ways. Breath and body prayers can help us pray with increased depth and meaning with and without words. Through our bodies, we can experience fuller prayers of the heart.

Yes, there are many ways to pray.

Two essential conditions to nurture your conversations with God are moments of silence and solitude. Money cannot buy what the silence will bring you. Dedicate yourself to daily moments of silence, solitude, inner quiet, and stillness with and without journal writing. There are many reasons why these ancient and universal prayer practices have lasted throughout the centuries.

Our prayers can also be strengthened by times of fasting. Fasting helps us enter our private prayer closets with more intention and attentiveness to God. Through fasting, we give up something very important to us in order that our prayer time for others can be empowered. Whether you fast or feast during your daily reading, find a quiet place to linger in prayers of the heart.

Consider praying the Psalms. Jesus often prayed them from memory. The Psalms help us with prayers of the heart. The most beloved Psalm in the world is the twenty-third Psalm. These tender words help us enter intimacy, rest, stillness and moments of great comfort in our prayer life.

Silence, stillness, solitude, journal writing, spiritual readings, prayer and meditation all require a daily discipline that many of us lack. Ask God for help. But also ask your family members, friends and roommates to honor your quiet times and not interrupt you. I have found it helpful to have special areas in the house to pray and read. While reading these reflections, remove your pagers and turn off the alarm on your watch. Let your telephone answering machine take your calls.

Honor your quiet time. Your body and spirit will benefit from a few daily minutes of stillness and quiet. Rich moments of such simple soul care can bring deepening awareness of loving, holy Presence. Even 30 seconds to 2 minutes a day can bring amazing benefits into your life.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray. Amen.

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Day 18: Be loved and love one another

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Discipleship involves loving others with a love that comes from God. God is the source of all love. God is love. Love is a sign that God dwells within us. Belovedness is our calling. But there are some disciples do not live as the beloved. They also do not love others who might be different from them. If this is your situation, you are not living up to your fullest potential in Christ Jesus.

Yes, Jesus is God’s Beloved gift to us. But we often neglect or overlook that we are God’s beloved gift to Jesus. Our call is to live as the beloved one day at a time, both in solitude and community life.

Never underestimate the power of prayer as one way of transforming the world as God’s Beloved sons and daughters. Gay or straight, young or old, it matters not. Disciples are beloved people, called to share this amazing love of God with others.

There are many ways to pray and it’s helpful to experiment with them. One centering prayer that can change your own life begins by praying the word, "beloved." Belovedness is our spiritual heritage. It is to be our lifestyle as followers of Jesus Christ. We are called to live as the beloved and not as the despised.

Belovedness is our calling. Belovedness in God is our signature to the world.

Practice your breath prayers with this amazing word. Breathe in "be," while breathing out "loved." Breathe in all that is loving and breathe out all that blocks you from living and sharing your belovedness.

If someone ever asks you for help in their prayer life, this is a centering prayer than can change lives!

Or if you see even a stranger on the street that looks sad, lost, weary and burdened with thoughts and cares, quietly and privately pray your breath prayer for them. Disciples are to pray for others with the love of Christ. Our prayers can change lives, the world and history in the making. By praying for others, we can help empower them in times of need. They do not even need to know we are praying for them. God will honor our prayers with divine grace and mercy. Through prayer, you might even save someone’s life!

There is no such thing as a little prayer.

Always remember that God is passionately in love with you. Be loved in word, thought and deed. Expect to be loved in every day of your new life with Christ. Belovedness is God’s gift to us. Share your belovedness with others who are living as the rejected, the marginalized, the ridiculed, the less gifted, the poor, the hurting, the unpopular and misunderstood. Some will be empowered and encouraged to live with more courage and hope.

So be loved and love others, beloved reader. Prepare for an adventure with God as you claim and generously share your belovedness. In Christ, you are valued, special, precious and loved.

As with all spiritual practices, we can only make the effort. The next step is up to God. Expect God to honor your spiritual practices. Expect to be surprised by God, by life and with moments of great joy when you least expect them as you practice the presence of God in your life through sacred readings, meditations and prayers. Enjoy the surprises. Accept the blessings with great gratitude. Share your experiences as the beloved with others. Spiritual empowerment is as close as your hands and feet, nearer than your breathing.

God bless you, beloved disciple!

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help us live as your beloved disciples. Amen.

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Day 19: Affirming beloved community

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Spiritual success needs a combination of solitude and affirming, beloved community. Everyone needs this for balance, wholeness, growth, healing and a profound sense of wellbeing. For some, it is harder to find than others. But seek it with all your heart and refuse to give up until you connect with affirming, beloved community! We must have it for our inner life with God to grow and mature in our discipleship walk.

Affirming beloved community helps us overcome temptation, change destructive and negative patterns of behavior and thinking, encourages and strengthens us when we are discouraged, helps us discern God’s call in our lives and so much more. As followers of Jesus, we are called into an abundant, joyous life through community. Few of us are called to live in isolation as hermits and recluses.

What is beloved community? I’m glad you asked!

"It is where no one is left out,

Where the world is indeed our parish,

Where the deepest hopes and yearnings and cries are heard,

Where we rejoice in every sign of God’s kingdom;

In the upholding of human dignity and reconciliation;

In each act of self-giving on behalf of others;

In the abundance of God’s gifts entrusted to us that all may have enough.

Glory to God!" Author unknown

To grow and thrive in our new life with Christ, we need beloved community. Some find and experience such community with trusted spiritual friends, as one unwed pregnant teenager did in first century Israel.

Affirming and beloved community helps minimize, decrease or even prevent "stinkin’ thinking!"

Although it’s been said that one plus God is a majority, the honest truth is that we need people in our lives. Spiritual isolationism is demoralizing and often self-defeating.

Many disciples find affirming, beloved community in small discipleship groups through their local church. These small groups pray for each other, often combined with a time of Bible study and sharing. This is often very helpful and some churches have special programs.

But not everyone has a local church with such programs and opportunities. If you are also struggling with addictive or compulsive, destructive behaviors, be open to the possibilities of affirming beloved community through existing twelve-step recovery programs. There are a number of such programs that affirm people of faith.

Facing addiction is difficult and almost impossible by oneself. Affirming, beloved community encourages accountability and faithfulness, improving the chances of success. Accountability and faithfulness are a vital part of discipleship. And God’s good and perfect will for our lives in Christ includes freedom from addiction. Here are some helpful links to get you started: www.addictionresourceguide.com, www.theantidrug.com, www.aarecovery.com,www.gam-anon.org, www.nicotine-anonymous.org.

You are a beloved disciple of Jesus Christ. May you experience only the kindness of God as you search for affirming, beloved community in your new life in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, hear the prayers of all your people. Amen.

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Day 20: Mentors and mentored

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." 1Timothy 1:1,2

John Wesley was famous for saying, "Christians without nurture are like stillborn babies." We need trustworthy mentors in our new life with Christ to grow and thrive, mature and serve.

More experienced disciples can help those new to the faith in 1:1 relationships or through small formal and informal groups. They help guide others in the basics of prayer, Bible reading, while becoming part of a church community. Disciples are disciplers. Jesus actually has given every disciple a mandate to make more disciples locally and globally. This involves teaching and modeling for others what Jesus commands (Matthew 28: 18-20).

The dictionary in my house describes a mentor as a trusted counselor or guide, tutor, coach. A mentor is someone willing to go out of their way, willing to be inconvenienced, who cares enough to take their personal time to help others grow and be encouraged.

Paul was Timothy’s mentor. He was like a father to him in his new life in Christ. Paul was willing to invest himself in Timothy’s spiritual life and growth. Paul compared the Christian life of discipleship to running a race with excellence and perseverance (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Runners are to run to win, exercising self-control in their training, running with purpose and clear goals. Runners also need to run by the rules in order to win and keep their prize.

Our new life in Christ is similar to running a marathon in long distance life. Some days are easier to run than others. On other days we might want to sit on the curb and quit the race. There will be days when we won’t want to be bothered with God and other days when we will doubt our belovedness. It can be difficult to remain motivated in isolation. We need others to encourage us and hold us accountable. We need their experience and wisdom in God.

At age 39, like many other well-intentioned people, I decided to run a marathon. A marathon is 26.2 miles and requires months of dedicated training to successfully run. I had no idea of where, how or when to start training. But it seemed like a worthy undertaking. Yet I knew absolutely nothing about running long distances. Although there are many good marathon-training books, some things aren’t learned from books alone. A guide with marathon experience was needed. It took some time and energy to find that guide, but was worth the effort. Everyone who trained with him that year finished the marathon without injuries.

We need mentors for success. We need them in our careers, family and yes, spiritual lives. It’s a well-known fact that we need sponsors, who serve as our mentors in the various 12-step programs. These are people who know how to walk the talk. Likewise, disciples need mentoring. We need experienced spiritual friends and guides to help us live a deeper life with God through relationships and community.

Prayer: God, help us find the spiritual mentors we need. Amen.

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Day 21: Study and grow in your understanding of God

"Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Hebrews 4:12

"Do your best (study) to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

There are many good and helpful books about God that can enhance our ongoing spiritual growth, discipleship and spiritual formation. Reading other books can actually help us understand God more deeply. Reading devotional classics and basic theology matures our faith. Studying God is a noble and worthwhile goal. Pope Leo XIII wrote, "The study of the Bible is the soul of theology."

Through the Bible and study of theology we begin to learn about God’s heartbeat for the world. John Wesley often said, "O Give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! Here is knowledge enough for me." But centuries earlier, St. Francis of Assisi wisely reminded his brothers in the faith, however, to study theology with care. In one of his letter’s to St. Anthony, he wrote, "I am pleased that you are teaching sacred theology to the brothers, as long as this kind of study…does not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotion."

As a new follower of Jesus, let the wisdom of St. Francis be with you in your spiritual readings and prayer life! Nurture your spiritual life of prayer and devotion to God with daily care and tending.

The Bible is sometimes difficult to understand and at other times, profoundly simple. The word of God is alive and active as we read and interact with it. There is no other book on earth like it. Reading the Bible is transforming, energizing and inspirational. These ancient words live in our soul and heart, understanding and judging our innermost unspoken and spoken thoughts and intentions.

While the text doesn’t change, we change from the inside out as we study and grow in our understanding of what is good and pleasing in God’s sight for our lives.

Reading the Bible every day can be spiritual empowering. In your new life with Christ, strive to study it by yourself and if possible, with others. Perhaps a local church has small group Bible studies. Ask many questions and refuse to be satisfied with superficial answers. Always remember, that "to read is to interpret."

1. Living in the Presence, by Tilden Edwards. Harper San Francisco, ISBN 0-06-062127-3
2. Prayer and our Bodies, by Flora Wuellner, The Upper Room, ISNB 0-8358-0568-9
3. Soul Feast, by Marjorie Thompson, Westminster John Knox Press, ISBN 0-664-255548-5
4. Journaling, by Anne Broyles, The Upper Room, ISBN 0-83538-0582-4
5. Walking a Sacred Path, by Dr. Lauren Artress, Riverhead books ISBN 1-57322-007708
6. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit. A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction, by Gerald G. May, Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-065567-4
7. Dakota, A Spiritual Geography, by Kathleen Norris. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 0-395-63320-6
8. Too Deep for Words, Rediscovering Lectio Divina with 500 Scripture Texts, by Thema Hall, Paulist Press, ISBN 0-8091-2959-0
9. Anam Cara. A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue. Harper Collins Publishers, ISBN 0-06-018279-2
10. Sadhana: A Way to God, by Anthony DeMello. Image Books. ISBN 0-19-282108-3
11. Earth Prayers from around the World, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon. Harper San Francisco Publishing House in 1991.
12. Psalms for Praying, An Invitation to Wholeness, by Nan C. Merrill, Continuum Press, ISBN 0-8264-1045-6
13. Coming Out to God, prayers for Lesbians and Gay Men, Their Families and Friends, by Chris Glaser. Westminster, John Knox Press, ISBN 0-664-25176-5
14. The Word is Out, The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men. 365 Daily Meditations, by Chris Glaser, HarperSanFransico, ISBN 0-06-063134-1
15. Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Crossroad Press, ISBN 0-8245-1184-0.
16. Essentials of New Life: Biblical Truths a New Christian needs to know, by Francis M. Cosgrove Jr., NavPress, ISBN 0-89109-427-X

Prayer: Holy and wonderful God, help us read nourishing sacred words that help us grow and understand you better, while empowering us for life. Amen.

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Day 22: Find a good church

"Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 6:23

God’s way is the church. It is exhausting and discouraging to be alone in our faith. God knows we need others for help, encouragement, teaching and caring. We need friendships, prayers and human kindness, as well as accountability for how we live our lives in God. The church is a vital part of God’s love story. So yes, we do need to go to church! Quite simply put, we need the beloved community of other Christians.

The church is very important for our spiritual life, growth and service to others. We need to go to church and participate in its life and community, while inviting others in. Participating in the life of the church is so important that New Life in Christ: Part 3 will be devoted to it.

The word "church" comes from the Greek word, "ekklesia." Ekklesia means "called out ones." This word is used one hundred times in the New Testament. Disciples are the called out ones in Jesus Christ. Jesus regularly attended community worship and offers us his own example. His personal worship habits are described at http://soulfoodministry.org/docs/GodPower.htm.

If you want a wonderful study experience, consider reading the one hundred Bible verses that mention "church." It can be a real eye opener! The early church turned their world upside-down with their radical Christianity. Many Study Bibles have concordances that identify many Bible words and their scriptural references. Experiment with these free, hypertext Bibles that are available in many languages and different translations at http://unbound.biola.edu and http://www.crosssearch.com/Bible/Translations. Type in the word, "church," and get those specific references!

The early church offers us a wonderful picture of visible and loving communities of believers. An ancient Athenian philosopher named Aristicles wrote this about the early church: "When they see the stranger, they take him to their dwelling…if any among them are poor and needy and have no food, they will fast 2-3 days to supply them with needed food." They taught and proclaimed Jesus as God’s Sent One, rejoiced in obstacles, gossiped the gospel as they were scattered in persecution. They preached the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ, baptizing as they went in the name of the Trinity, speaking to people they normally would have nothing to do with.

It is important to find a local church. There are so many varieties that it may feel confusing. Look for a church with good worship, a place that preaches the Bible, and if at all possible, a church that welcomes seekers of all sexual orientations. There are still many churches who do not yet accept them, but be patient! Change takes time.

Here are some good cyber-resources and sites that may be useful for your church search!

"Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

This concludes our basic study of discipleship through New Life in Christ: Part 2. God bless you in your new life in Christ!

Prayer: God, bless each and every reader with peace, love, faith and beloved community. Please help them find good churches that will help them grow in meaningful Christian discipleship. Amen.