Practices
Spiritual practices and resources
What exactly is a spiritual practice?
A spiritual practice is any regular and intentional activity that establishes, develops, and nourishes a personal relationship with the Divine in which we allow ourselves to be transformed.
Spiritual practices are an essential part of a person’s faith life.
These practices help us to connect with God and deepen our relationship with the divine. They also provide us with a sense of peace and comfort in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
By making spiritual practices a regular part of our lives, we can experience a greater sense of purpose and meaning, and become more attuned to God’s will for our lives.
Daily Devotionals
Start your day with a short, original, devotional from the Boston Avenue UMC family! Our clergy, staff, and members contribute to these written reflections to help you on your spiritual journey.
Sign up to receive devotionals straight in your inbox (or find them here on our website, on our Facebook, or our Instagram pages), and add it to your spiritual practices today!
Meditation & Contemplative Prayer
“Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10 (NRSVue)
Did you know that we offer a Christian meditation session every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. in our Rose Chapel? This ancient tradition offers a time of quiet to rest in God’s presence. We have supports available, such as prayer cards, single words, and icons to help focus your meditation.
Newcomers are always welcome – join us Friday to try out this peaceful and grounding spiritual practice!
Spiritual practices courses
As part of our Lenten study in 2022, Boston Avenue offered a series of lay-led courses around spiritual practices, including fasting, simplicity, self-compassion, prayer, and more!
Clearing Space for the Holy Spirit: Contemplative Prayer
Improve Your Serve: Missions as Spiritual Practice
Outdoor Prayer Labyrinth
Prayer labyrinths are a form of meditative walking that have been used for centuries as a tool for spiritual reflection and contemplation. As one walks the labyrinth, they are encouraged to focus on their breath, their intentions, and their connection to the divine. The process of walking the labyrinth can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Our prayer labyrinth was created by the Boston Avenue Youth group, and is located in the parking lot on the west side of the church. It is open to any and all to use.
Engage a Spiritual Companion
Listener. Question-asker. Supporter. Companion. Guide. The role of a Spiritual Director or Spiritual Companion varies according to the needs of those they are working with, but their main focus is to walk alongside someone on that person’s spiritual journey as that person deepens their relationship with the divine.
A number of Boston Avenue lay members have completed the multi-year Spiritual Director/Spiritual Companion training program through the Osage Forest of Peace.
If you would like to meet with a companion to help nurture your relationship with the divine, to help discern direction on your spiritual path, or to help explore or uncover new depths for your spiritual life, contact us!
Try Centering Prayer
1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts,* return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections
Questions?
We are happy to help – please visit the contact page or fill out this form below and we’ll be happy to help guide you on your spiritual journey!