Spiritual practices are one way we stay connected to God on a daily and weekly basis. One spiritual practice is attending regular worship services. Another spiritual practice is daily devotional reading and prayer. Other spiritual practices include silence, fasting, and meditation. Some people find spiritual renewal in walking or other physical exercise. Others feel fed spiritually through group discussions and communal prayer.

One of the ways I feel closest to God is through corporate worship. There is a blessing in being together with others who are focused on praising God. As a pastor, I am frequently leading worship, which is an invigorating (yet exhausting) experience for me. While both are filled with blessing, there is a difference between leading worship and participating in worship as a member of the congregation.

For several years I have made it a spiritual practice to attend a Catholic Mass on a weekly basis. Tuesday mornings I worship at St. John Vianney Church. Together with the rest of the congregation I listen to the Scriptures and sermon and pray. (I don't receive communion out of respect for their beliefs since I am not Catholic.) I feel blessed that I am welcomed as part of that worshiping community. I feel spiritually fed when I leave the service. I also feel strengthened to lead worship within our community.

What are some of your spiritual practices? How do they strengthen you for Christian service? Do you feel led to take up a new spiritual practice? What might that be?