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Formational Practices

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Formational Practices
To develop a spiritual and formational theology of waiting, the incorporation of spiritual practices may be vital to the transformation and maintenance of the life of the believer. The ascetic practices aid in creating an environment which helps if focusing on God, self or others. The exercises may assist in developing a deeper and more intimate experience with God and his Word. They could help the believer to see themselves more clearly reflected within the light of the Father. The practices might benefit in establishing communal relationships with other believers while offering an opportunity to live as witnesses of Jesus for the unbeliever.
The formational practices are encouraged within the Bible and throughout history, including the …show more content…
Taking the time to shift one's focus towards the one who can aid in navigating each phase of the waiting process may help in reorienting the life of the believer. The responsibility of the believer is to be aware of motives and attitudes as well as external distractions that may lead away from God. One way to address these distractions is by creating an environment that is conducive for self-reflection and transformation. The Bible and historical examples for achieving this kind of environment, begin by positioning oneself spiritually and in some cases physically in spaces that will foster practicing the core ascetic exercises—silence, solitude, fasting, undergirded by the supplemental practices. Each of these practices could also work a training ground for the believer who is trying to navigate the waiting process, learning to remove distractions, quiet the mind, still the heart and control the …show more content…
Laura Swan author of The Forgotten Desert Mothers emphasized how the desert Mothers utilized Scripture reading, “Ammas steeped their minds in Scripture and other sacred writings in order to cultivate minds and hearts able to listen for God's voice.” To clarify, supplemental does not imply less value but interchangeable application within the space dedicated to time with God. These supplemental practices promote deeper connectedness with God and the inner
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