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I have the pleasure of teaching “Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition”, one of the courses for those seeking to become Lay Servants and Lay Speakers. In preparation for our first class, I read the titular text by the wonderful Rev. Dr. Steve Harper. In it, Harper invites an exploration of the beauty, broadness, and bountiful experiences of spiritual disciplines based on the teachings and example of John Wesley, founder of The United Methodist Church. In the class, we’ll be focusing on Bible study, daily prayer, solitude (my favorite; #introvertsunite), hospitality, acts of charity, and journaling, but Wesley also believed worship, communion, and small groups to be disciplines. A distinction there is to note that spiritual disciplines are not simply private matters, but can and should be something we also do together. What I most appreciate is the clarity with which Harper presents something I love about Wesley’s take on disciplines; what they are, and what makes them successful. What they are is means of grace, the “attitudes and actions that God sees fit to use as ordinary, normal channels to convey grace and to mature our lives.” The disciplines are how we grow, connect more fully with God, and become the person we are called and created to be. And perhaps most exciting is what Wesley suggests makes them successful: “not the absolute correctness of [our] actions, but rather in the purity of [our] intention.” As someone who has, and continues to struggle with several of the classic spiritual disciplines, this is good news. The measure of our practice is not how good we are at it, but the purity of our intention. Are we seeking God’s presence? Are we open to God’s formative work through them? Well, then that has the marks of a successful practice of the discipline, and fruit will follow. Even if you’re terrible at it (cough*hospitality*cough), or find yourself distressed because you aren’t as “good” at it in your estimation after you hear about another’s practice. What matters is none of that. What matters is your intention. Maybe there’s a discipline you tried once and got frustrated with, or maybe you have some frustration around one right now. Or perhaps there is a need for a richer, closer walk with God in your life today – and is there ever not? – and taking on a new practice would be helpful. Know that the spiritual disciplines are ways for that to be, they are how we connect with God and God – and God’s gift of grace – connects with us. If I can come alongside you around this, I hope you will let me know. It would be a privilege to do so. And know that each of you are in my prayers, specifically in the coming days that you would have within your life the disciplines that establish and maintain your relationship with God. Rev. Ben Richards
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