"Practically Divine" - Week 1

We are going to spend some time in the book of Mark during our Book Club time this summer. But, I needed another day to focus on a few of Becca’s words on page xvii of the Introduction,

“I am writing this book for everyone hungry to taste the divine, struggling to see it, needing inspiration and challenge to go back out and try again. You can cross lines and gain new perspective. It is possible to love the whole world. We don’t have to get cynical, fearful, numb, or be shamed into thinking we have nothing to offer. I think sometimes it’s even much easier than we think…. There is no secret formula to experiencing the sacred in our lives. It just takes practice and practicality.”

Y’all…. That is SO good. It takes practice to experience the sacred in our lives. Doesn't it seem manageable that we are encouraged to PRACTICE looking for the divine & sacred?

We can practice, right?

It is NO coincidence that I’ve just finished Ann Voskamp’s newest book, “Waymaker,” just before starting to write this study. Throughout the pages of that book, she talked about SACRED practices in a very practical way. She has a daily routine of inviting the sacred by praying through specific mindsets, and I've added them to my daily practices too. (practice NOT perfection)

S – Still. Sit in stillness, prayer, and reflection. Ask God to speak.

A – Attend. Who is God to you today? Where are you? What do you want?

C – Cruciform. How/what do you need to surrender in order to live the crucified life?

R – Revelation. What message has God’s Word been speaking to you?

E – Examine. What are you afraid of today?

D – Doxology. What can you thank God for today?

I’m anxious to get into our Scripture. However, I believe it will be good for us to slowly reflect today. Read that paragraph from Becca again. Then, intentionally pray through Ann’s prompts. I think “practically divine” moments are very sacred. We will probably come back to this prayer process throughout our weeks together.

So many of you were gracious to chime in through the comments section yesterday. KEEP IT UP! I can't promise that I'll always respond in a timely manner. But, I sure loved hearing from you. Today, interact through the comments with which part of the "sacred" practice caused you to slow & reflect the most.

Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

God, I absolutely love it when You cause me to read and study books that have common themes. We want to experience sacred moments. I believe we will IF we train our hearts and minds to slow down, to look for You, and to allow You to search and try our hearts. Will you begin uncovering in us any obstacle to freedom? Show us how to cooperate with You so that sacred and divine become normal adjectives to describe our days. I want that more than anything, Jesus. Amen.