Spiritual Disciplines (page under construction January 2006)

This unit is designed to be the last unit in the Sunday School year for Juniors and Seniors, but many of the lessons can be used for single sessions. When following the curriculum be prepared to switch sessions to take advantage of warmer or sunny days.

The objective of this unit is to invite the youth to think about the sorts of activities through which they can intentionally enrich their spiritual life. Many will be leaving the congregation to which they belong or their family belongs in order to go off to college or voluntary service. Most have relied upon the disciplines encouraged, facilititated or even imposed by their parents and youth sponsers. The time is rapidly approaching for them to take more responsibility for sustaining and nurturing their faith. These sessions allow them to explore some new practices as well as infusing deeper spiritual meaning into activities in which they regularly engage.

Begin the unit with a brief discussion that addresses the following question: What do you want in your spiritual life?

Anticipate or prompt the following sorts of answers:

God centered life
Spiritual growth
Greater intimacy with God
Simplicity/Purity
Calm/Rest
Joy

Explain that in order to experience the sort of spiritual life students desire that one needs to intentionally practice spiritual disciplines. Explain that the following lessons introduce a wide variety of disciplines, some of which are very familiar, some of which were significant in the early church, the medieval church or more liturgical traditions.

Some students may be concerned that practicing some of these disciplines isinappropriate. Encourage students to ask questions and raise concerns and to excuse themselves from any activity that may make them uncomfortable. Assure them that their reservations may be valid because these disciplines can be practiced in inappropriate ways or for reasons at odds with Christianity and that it is necessary to do them with the right thoughts and attitude. Encourage all students to practice them without adding superstituous beliefs, such as the magical property of an object or action, or idolatrous attitudes, such as thinking an object is necessary for devotions or for a prayer to be heard by God.

The following are the spiritual disciplines to explore. Encourage students to consider ways of weaving some of these into their lives, especially the discipline of going to church on a weekly basis.

Sacred Journey: Labyrinth and Pilgrimage
Prayer: Devotional, Vigils, Meditation, Recitation of Scripture
Retreats
Going to Church
Daily devotionals
Journal
Gardening
Fasting
Keeping the Sabbath
Observing Festivals
Remembering to Give Thanks: Telling one's Story, Vows
Dancing
Clowning
Mimes