Spiritual traditions

Today, I was at the wedding of my friend's son. It was a joyful and celebratory occasion as church weddings are. Most importantly, my friend who has been battling her cancer for several years, had her prayer answered, in that she was more than well enough for this celebration. I went most of all to share her joy at making it through all the treatments - that will still continue for some time. Gratitude...that the Spirit's fruit of joy, love and peace, above all....graced the occasion.

As I had lunch with a couple of friends, we talked about how to get churches to adopt some of the more traditional spiritual disciplines, in their effort towards discipleship. I believe churches of different denominations have their own 'spiritual traditions'. Some are based more on the mind - a kataphatic spirituality, that values 'right thinking, reasons for belief.......and others on the heart, valuing 'feelings in worship and prayer' while still upholding the truth of biblical teachings. The apophatic tradition, from which comes some of the more contemplative disciplines focuses more on the mystery of God than the revealed God. Followers of Christ come in all shapes and sizes! And each church has its own preferred traditions of spirituality. People tend to gravitate towards churches that they feel comfortable in. Yet a person could feel out of place when the Lord leads him/her to know and love him in a different way. In my speaking with people I realize that there is an increasing number who are being led towards a contemplative spirituality. These are persons who intentionally seek out solitude and silence and whose growth includes being in spiritual direction relationships. They may belong to churches that do not value these disciplines and so have to find nurture elsewhere. Perhaps churches can be more open to traditions apart from their own and allow several "streams of living water" (Richard Foster has a book with this title on this topic) to run together, rather than 'quenching' the Spirit's movements. It requires much maturity and trustful understanding from all sides - from the more conventional side and also from those who have moved in a new direction. A challenge - yet perhaps one that comes from the Spirit of God.