Recently, I started a new exercise program.  The program is built on the theory that our bodies develop muscle memory and that a physical exercise routine will have a decreasing impact if not changed from time to time.  The program attempts to trick the body by bringing changes into the regiment of exercise with the idea that it will force the body out of predictable energy conservation and force maximum use of effort for greater impact.  I do not know how to respond to these assessments but I do see how variety will at least keep exercise from becoming monotonous.

I am reading an interesting book at the moment that makes the same assessment for spiritual development.  The book is Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson.  Batterson writes:

“Spiritual growth is a conundrum.  The key to spiritual growth is developing

healthy and holy routines.  We call them spiritual disciplines.  But once the routine becomes routine, we need to disrupt it.  Why?  Because sacred routines become

empty rituals when we do them out of left-brain memory instead of right-brain imagination. . . .  One of the greatest dangers we face spiritually is learning how

and forgetting why” (p.58).

What a great reminder!  Over these past few weeks I have been walking with Richard Foster to rediscover some of the deep foundations of the spiritual disciplines for the purpose of training my heart.  Because I am in the stage of rediscovery there is a freshness to pursuing these ancient disciplines, at least for this present chapter of my life.  But if I am not careful, I can easily begin to get a decreasing return, or even a counterproductive return from my efforts, if I allow them to become activities without imagination.

Some ideas . . .

I have a prayer chair that I sit in every morning to talk with God.  The discipline of meeting Him there every morning creates a consistency of dialogue in my life.  However, if I only talk to God there and do not dialogue continuously, I will miss some important communication moments throughout the day.  As the weather turns I may want to go out on a prayer walk with God to start the day.  It will move me from a passive to more active stance in prayer, and change the routine.

I have a journal that I write prayers and insights in every day.  This discipline allows me to track the voice of God over a long period of time, through his Word and through  impressions that come my way.  However, if I am not careful to be in dialogue with other Christ followers regarding what they are hearing in our intersecting journeys, I will miss out on hearing the nuanced voice of the Holy Spirit through multiple personalities and life experiences.  I am trying to be more conscious to journal after being in a group for prayer, listening to how the Holy Spirit leads the group, or be careful to record what others are saying about their dialogue with God.

The basic point – a consistent training routine is important for long range growth.  The disciplines train the spiritual muscles for a long journey with God.  But I must be careful not get locked into that routine at the expense of fresh insight.  Batterson uses this formula in his book:

Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective.

Anthropologists refer to it as liminality.  Christ followers have discovered it in retreat, pilgrimage, solitude, and other places of change where the sense are heightened to the manifest presence of God.  New experiences have a way of giving us a new angle or vision for life.  And sometimes this helps us see God with new eyes.

So if you have the routine, you are blessed.  Now ask yourself the question – are there spirit exercises that have become too routine and predictable in my life?  where do I need a change of scenery, pace or method to get a fresh view of God?  what can I change, where can I go, what can I do in the next week to create space for fresh connection with God?

May God grant you new wineskins (ways of engaging Him) and fresh wine (Holy Spirit) for a renewed journey of spirit and soul!