In high school, my afternoons were full of practice - band practice, drama club practice, even math team practice. Practice was the way that we learned how to do things the right way until they became a familiar and comfortable part of our experience. The more we practiced, the more we could concentrate on what we were doing (how the music sounded, the meaning of the play, etc.) rather than how we were doing it (did I get the fingering right on that last note?) We made lots of mistakes, but repeated practice evened out the bumps and we developed more expertise.
My doctor "practices" medicine. What comes to mind when I say that is "I sure hope it's not because she needs to learn what she's doing!" And that's not the reason. In this sense "practice" means to apply in a practical way what was learned in medical school, as an intern, a resident, etc. She has gone beyond those early times of learning to do things right and is now putting those skills to use in helping her patients.
As Christians, we have a number of faith practices - in 2000, the ELCA introduced a program that highlights seven practices: invite, pray, study, worship, give, encourage and serve. Our faith practices also have two sides. Through them we learn about God's love and gift of life and salvation through Jesus. They provide the vehicle for us to grow in knowledge, understanding and strength of our faith. And as we mature as disciples, they also provide the way for us to apply our faith in being the hands and feet of God in this world, caring for other and being good stewards of creation. Through both aspects of faith practice, we grow closer to God and more aware of God's presence and action in our lives.
"Christian practices are not activities we do to make something spiritual happen in
our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be obedient to God. Rather, they are
patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy,
and presence of God may be made known to us. They are places where the power of
God is experienced. In the end, these are not ultimately our practices but forms of
participation in the practice of God."
- Craig Dykstra, Presbyterian minister and professor of theology
our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be obedient to God. Rather, they are
patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy,
and presence of God may be made known to us. They are places where the power of
God is experienced. In the end, these are not ultimately our practices but forms of
participation in the practice of God."
- Craig Dykstra, Presbyterian minister and professor of theology
Shared by MaryBeth Commisso
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