Many people recognise that who they are is much more than just their body and mind – that there is a deeper sense to who we are as humans, that there is something spiritual about life.
We often use the broad term spirituality to describe this. Christian spirituality includes a range of practices that enable us to encounter God, recognising that God meets us in all sorts of places and in all sorts of ways, often drawing on ancient traditions and the experiences of others.
The following short video gives an example of some of the ways we might create space for people to encounter God, whatever their age or background.
Links
Here are a few helpful links to resources focusing on spirituality.
- Prayer ideas
Try something new - Pray as you go
A daily mp3 meditation - Art and Spirituality
A personal reflection - Inspire
Making connections between mission and spirituality - www.rejesus.co.uk/spirituality
Celtic spirituality, daily prayer, Happiness e-course, meditations etc. - www.spiritualjourneys.org.uk
Helping explore faith through looking, doing, asking and dreaming. - www.retreats.org.uk
For those wanting to explore contemplative spirituality, go on a retreat or find a spiritual accompanist. Offering some excellent free to download publications. - www.living-spirituality.org.uk
The Living Spirituality Network (LSN) exists for people who are exploring the meaning of spirituality both within and beyond the traditional churches. LSN provides supporters with information, contacts and encouragement as they seek to understand and deepen their spiritual lives. - www.licc.org.uk/about-licc/events
LICC exists to envision and equip Christians - and the leaders, churches and organisations that serve them - with the biblical framework, practical resources and models to engage biblically, relevantly and vigorously with the issues they face in today's world. - Pope Benedict XVI visited the UK in September 2010. During that visit he beatified John Henry Newman and quoted his words: 'God has created me to do Him some definite service, He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another, I have my mission... I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons, He has not created me for naught, I shall do good.'
Pope Benedict XVI presented afresh these words to every person and outlined what our shared purpose is in the months and years ahead as a community that exists for mission. His words were addressed not only to members of the Catholic Community but to every member of British society. You can download more information here
Quiet Days and Exploring Spirituality
In the hectic turmoil of modern living it is far too easy to lose sight of what is really important. Many churches make a conscious effort to take a day out of the hurly-burly to hold a quiet day - a time of reflection and spiritual regeneration. This can be achieved by inviting someone to lead your group in reflective meditation or to make use of a retreat centre, perhaps set in stunning surroundings, where a programme of prayer and relaxation are just what is required to re-charge your inner batteries.
Quiet days and retreats can often be tailor-made to suit individual or group needs. For more information why not contact the following organisations, to see what they can offer you:
Reflect
Chair: Gill Dascombe: chair@reflectretreats.co.uk
Membership Secretary: Sue Chastney: membership@reflectretreats.co.uk
For upcoming retreats with Reflect please see www.reflectretreats.co.uk/events.html.
The Retreat Association, Charity Centre, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Bucks HP14 3BF
Publish an annual magazine of the programme and events for over 200 retreat centres, including information, articles and book reviews, priced £4.50.
Tel: 01494 569056 Fax: 0871 715 1917 E-mail: info@retreats.org.ukWeb: www.retreats.org.uk
Living Spirituality Network, The Well at Willen, Newport Road, Milton Keynes MK15 9AA
Tel: 01908 200675 E-mail: spirituality@ctbi.org.uk Web: www.living-spirituality.org.uk
Events
Reflect Silent Retreats at Douai Abbey: please follow this link to find information on Reflect retreats www.reflectretreats.co.uk/events.html.