You are invited to explore the common practices below. As these are called common practices, seek to practice them in common with someone else or a group of elses. The way of Jesus is never merely individual, we follow in community. Thomas à Kempis leaves us with some advice concerning spiritual practices from the 15th century:
“The one and the same practice is not for everyone; it may suit one individual but not another. Also, a variety of practices fits a variety of times; some are more suitable for feast days while others are more appropriate for weekdays. One is good in time of temptation, another in time of peace and calm; one when we are depressed, another when we are happy in the Lord. . . .
“Set aside an opportune time for deep personal reflection and think often about God’s many benefits to you. . . .
“If you aim at a fervent spiritual life then you too must turn your back on the crowds as Jesus did. The only man who can safely appear in public is the one who wishes he were at home. He alone can safely speak who prefers to be silent. Only he can safely govern who prefers to live in submission, and only he can safely command who prefers to obey.” [from The Imitation of Christ, book I, chaps. 19-20.]
- the way of solitude
- the way of hospitality
- the stories of scripture
- the way of cruciformity
- downward mobility
- a litany of penitence
- the discipline of lament
- a new community of reconciliation
- fasting and feasting: a spirituality of food
