Wider Spiritual Practices
Creativity is included here because God is creative! This takes a variety of forms, including some of the other practices explored above, artwork, poetry, theatre, sermon writing, arguably this website, being a chef, comedy and anything else which involves using our talents to glorify God (see Ephesians 4). Often creativity is associated with the Spirit as the one who hovered over the waters of creation (Genesis 1.2) and who leads us into unexpected places.
Environmental care is included here as one of the Church of England’s “Fire Marks of Mission”. As a good starting point, A Rocha provide practical resources for churches who want to be more sustainable.
Fasting is normally understood to be withholding food (and possibly water) for a period of time, often a day, to provide more time for prayer and worship. Jesus spoke of his disciples not fasting while he was with them, but that following his departure they would fast (Matthew 9.14-7). Separately, some New Testament manuscripts indicate Jesus said some forms of spiritual warfare would require fasting (Mark 9.29).
Christians are encouraged to be discreet if they fast, as it is for spiritual rather than earthly benefit (Matthew 6.16-8). Lent is a traditional time for fasting, in keeping with Jesus’ 40 days fasting in the desert (Mark 1.13). Some Christians may fast from practices they perceive as unhealthy, such as social media, smoking or alcohol.
If you are considering this, we strongly encourage reviewing practical resources before proceeding, and would advise caution for anyone experiencing poor mental health (including anorexia) as this is not an essential part of Christian practice.
If you are considering fasting, it may be for a specific purpose, but always is in the hope we will sense something of God carrying us.
Speaking in tongues was made famous at Pentecost when the first disciples began to spontaneously speak in the languages of those visiting Jerusalem (Acts 2).
Speaking in tongues also occurred when St. Peter met a Gentle soldier who wanted to follow Jesus, in an encounter that paved the way for Gentle inclusion in the Church (Acts 10-11).
As well as being tongues of human language, St. Paul spoke of the “tongues of angels” (1 Corinthians 13.1) which might not have a clear earthly parallel.
Some Christians believe that this gift, and other “gifts of the Spirit”, were for biblical times only, whilst others – especially the Pentecostal tradition – see this gift as an important part of deepening in faith.
Tongues today may have a similar function to Acts in terms of evangelism, may be used as part of corporate prayer and worship (1 Corinthians 14), or might form part of personal devotion.
Spiritual direction, also known as Spiritual accompaniment, is the practice of meeting a more experienced Christian (often one with specific training) to explore faith and experience some accountability beyond the normal Church structures.
For this reason it is often popular (and recommended) for Christians engaged in faith-related work, particularly ministers, as it provides a space outside of line management structures to be honest about faith and seek Jesus amidst the inevitable highs and lows of life.
Often spiritual directors are associated with monastic traditions but will have good experience with other traditions.
Further content to come, suggestions welcome