Exploring the importance of establishing a communion with Jesus, following Jesus in the present day and the power of habits, along with the practice of contemplative prayer and the struggle with stillness and the power of gratitude.
Being with Jesus is the foundation of the spiritual journey and can be experienced through the Holy Spirit.
Curating our consciousness and focusing our attention on Jesus shape our character and spiritual trajectory.
Deep dives
The Goal of an Apprentice of Jesus: Being with Jesus
The podcast episode explores the first goal of being an apprentice of Jesus, which is to be with Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that this goal is not a linear process or a formula, but the foundation upon which the spiritual journey is built. The invitation to be with Jesus is seen as the starting point of the spiritual journey, and although Jesus is not physically present today, the speaker discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit as the means through which we can experience the presence of Jesus. The speaker also highlights the idea that our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit, deepening our intimacy and communion with God.
Curating Our Consciousness: A Key Facet of Apprenticeship to Jesus
The podcast delves into the importance of curating our consciousness as a key facet of apprenticeship to Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the role of our attention and the direction of our consciousness in spiritual formation. It is highlighted that what we abide in, what we give our attention to, shapes our character and spiritual trajectory. The speaker discusses the power of renewing our mind and curating our consciousness by looking at Jesus and His words, rather than allowing our minds to be filled with fear, anger, materialism, or other negative thoughts. The practice of curating our consciousness is seen as a vital aspect of abiding in Jesus and becoming like Him.
Contemplative Prayer: Practicing Eternity
The podcast covers the concept of contemplative prayer as a practice of abiding in Jesus. The speaker describes contemplative prayer as a form of prayer that goes beyond words and feelings, allowing us to simply look at God and experience His love. The practice of contemplative prayer is seen as an entry point into the contemplative life, where we direct our heart toward God and attune our mind to His love. The speaker shares personal practices, such as finding a quiet space, using an image or phrase as an anchor, and engaging in silence and stillness. The benefits of contemplative prayer are highlighted as moments of connection and interchange of love with God.
Practical Tips for Cultivating Abiding in Jesus
The podcast episode concludes with practical tips for cultivating a life of abiding in Jesus. The importance of gratitude is emphasized as an easy entry point into the contemplative life, where we practice gratitude to focus our consciousness on God. The speaker also highlights the significance of incorporating pauses throughout the day to refocus our attention on Jesus. Habits such as prayer walks, pausing before emails, and ending the day with prayer are mentioned as ways to integrate the practice of abiding into daily life. The speaker encourages listeners to view abiding as a posture throughout the entire day, rather than limiting it to a specific time or activity.
In Episode 02: Be with Jesus, John Mark Comer and Tyler Staton discuss the ways seemingly abstract spiritual realities — such as abiding in Jesus and following him — are lived out in everyday life and how to consciously commune with Jesus in a culture that seeks to curate our attention.
This podcast accompanies the book Practicing the Way. Subscribe to the podcast to stay up to date on future episodes. To learn more about the book, visit www.practicingtheway.org/book. To begin building your personalized Rule of Life, go to www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder.
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