This is part of “The Formative Path” a 2024 Fall Sermon Series at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana. For more information and the Weekly Reflection Sheets, go to https://ponderingpassages.com/category/path/

Most people know that spiritual practices such as reading scripture, spending time in prayer, singing, and Bible study are vital to strengthening their faith. But what if none of those practices “float your boat?” After all, we say, different strokes for different folks. Right?

If reading or sitting alone in silence isn’t your thing, I have some good news for you! While Scripture and prayer will always be the foundation of a growing Christian, those aren’t the only activities that can cultivate a sense of God’s presence.

It gets even better! If you want a deeper connection with God through Jesus, John Wesley points out that God can use anything as a means of Grace:

The means into which different men are led, and in which they find the blessing of God, are varied, transposed, and combined together a thousand different ways. Yet still our wisdom is to follow the leadings of his providence and his Spirit; to be guided herein (more especially as to the means wherein we ourselves seek the grace of God) partly by his outward providence, giving us the opportunity of using sometimes one means, sometimes another; partly by our experience, which it is whereby his free Spirit is pleased most to work in our heart.

This is GREAT news! It means anything that enables me or you to be aware of God’s presence can be an effective spiritual practice.

Over the past few months, I’ve challenged you to “take a step back and breathe” while opening your heart to God. This could be while waiting for traffic to clear, dealing with a problematic person, or taking a bite of bread. When we “take a step back and breathe” while opening our hearts to God, a moment for God is created. Instead of reacting to what’s happening, we create space for God to enter. This “space” is an opportunity to see God in that moment. No matter how challenging, joyful, or difficult it might be.

In other words, the practice doesn’t matter. What matters is whether our heart is open to God’s presence and our attention is focused on him. It’s possible to read scripture, pray, or worship, and miss God. 

As you go through your day, whether reading Scripture, praying, worshipping, walking in nature, or even sitting in traffic, open your heart to God’s presence. Who knows, you might find a “means of Grace” or spiritual practice that you enjoy and deepens your sense of God’s presence and love.