Dear Friends,
Do you ever find yourself wiping down the kitchen counter or folding another load of laundry while your mind races through an endless to-do list? Maybe you’re thinking about the strange sound your car is making, a child’s upcoming activity, or the meal you’ve been meaning to deliver to a family walking through surgery, welcoming a new baby, or grieving a loss. Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to feel as though everything depends on you—that if you stop for even a moment, the whole world might stop spinning.
Yet, God never intended for us to simply survive our busy days. He invites us to live each day with Him.
That’s where spiritual disciplines come in. Rather than adding just another item to our to-do lists, they can become a way to train ourselves to see God in our busy day-to-day and welcome His peace and presence into our hearts. As we faithfully practice habits like prayer, Scripture reading and memorization, gratitude, and reflection, they gradually become less like obligations and more like the natural rhythms of a life rooted in Christ.
In this issue, you’ll discover practical ways to draw closer to Christ through a variety of spiritual practices. It’s our prayer that you will find inspiration to try some of these spiritual disciplines this week and root yourself more deeply in Jesus.
Encouraging you in God’s truth,
Spiritual Practices for Today | Melissa Gween Meek
What does it look like to intentionally make space for God in your everyday life? Melissa Gween Meek explores three spiritual practices while introducing several others to you so you can begin making them part of your regular time with God. Whether you’re discovering these practices for the very first time or returning to some familiar ones, her practical encouragement will help you cultivate a deeper walk with Christ.
His Word in My Heart | Laura Sandretti
What difference can hiding God’s Word in your heart really make? Laura Sandretti shares how memorizing Scripture, a vital spiritual practice, has strengthened her through parenting challenges, marital disagreements, and health struggles. Her honesty and practical encouragement will inspire you to begin storing God’s Word in your heart—one verse at a time.
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Spiritual Practices for Today
Watch these disciplines deepen your relationship with Christ.
By Melissa Gween Meek
It’s hard to quiet our hearts long enough to truly listen to God. Our emotions, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists often compete for our attention. Whether we are caring for family, leading a ministry, or running a business, we need intentional spiritual practices that keep our hearts and goals aligned with God’s heart.
In my bookkeeping business, I have witnessed success as well as the pain that comes with unexpected challenges. Through it all, I have learned that my work is about much more than balancing numbers. My clients trust my judgment because they know my faith guides my decisions. They know that I follow God.
Over the years, God has blessed me with clients who have become like family. Each relationship has stretched and shaped me in different ways, leading me to rely on many spiritual practices that have become the foundation for my clients and me. As God continues to strengthen me through them, I have the privilege of encouraging them to do the same.
Spiritual Practice #1: Examen
The Examen is my favorite spiritual practice. Each night, when I crawl into bed, I intentionally review the day with God. I slow down to look back over the day, noticing my thoughts and actions. This simple practice helps me see things I would have otherwise overlooked.
As you practice the Examen, consider these questions:
