In this current GODSPEED series, we want to live into our distinctive of being practice-based and focus on four practical applications that we can explore related to the alternate pace that Jesus offers. The four practices are simplicity, slowness, silence/solitude, and sabbath.

Along with stories from Scripture, the two sources we have been considering during this series are John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and the short film, Godspeed.

We hope you’ll join us in practicing the pace of Jesus.

PRACTICES IN SILENCE + SOLITUDE

Practical steps to take:

  • Set a time and place.

  • Set a timer so that you don’t worry about how long it has been.

  • Move from external silence to internal silence.

  • Rest in God’s presence. If things come to mind or heart you’d like to say, say it. But then sit, rest and listen.

An additional practice to explore in silence and solitude is Lectio Divina. Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate. First a passage of scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God.

PRACTICES IN SLOWNESS

  1. Begin your day slowly. Set the tone of the day by beginning slowly. Don’t rush to grab the phone or to hustle. Begin with prayer, stretching, breathing, and prayer.

  2. Notice (and stop) multitasking. Our days are full of being multiple places at the same time. Seek to focus and be present with one thing at a time.

  3. Show up early to appointments and pray. Rather than trying to barely make it to that event, show up early and be present. Pray for that appointment and notice what is around you.

  4. Memorize scripture. Memorizing scripture is slowly digesting and reflecting on the meaning of the text. This is not hurried, but is thoughtful, slow, and intentional.

  5. Eat slowly and mindfully. Rather than eating on the run or in the car, take your meal as a moment to slow down. Consider where the food came from, what you are eating and who prepared it.

  6. Set times and limits for email and social. Limit how our email and social accounts drive our busyness and hurry. Set times where you check in and then log off for the day.

  7. Own your phone; not the other way around. Consider how many minutes/hours you want to spend on your phone. Then set limits based on that desire. Without boundaries, tech fosters hurry.

  8. Journal. Journaling is difficult because it is slow. But journalling is the practice where we are forced to put to words what we are feeling, thinking and learning.

  9. Travel slowly. Rather than seeing your commute as something to conquer and other travelers as competition, intentionally travel slowly. See how freeing it is to be in the slow lane.

  10. Be highly interruptible. Allow God to bring people into your agenda and calendar who were not planned or accounted for. Be present with them and be open handed with your time.

  • PRACTICES IN SIMPLICITY

    This week we are looking at Jesus’ call to simplicity in our lives. In John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, he gives practical suggestions for how to cultivate simplicity. We are sharing a number of them below. Which ones resonate most with you?

  • 1. Before you buy something, ask yourself, What is the true cost of this item?

    Think about more than just the “ticket price” of an item - how much time will it cost to own this? How often will I use it? Will it add value to my life and help me to enjoy God and his world even more?

  • 2. Before you buy, ask yourself, By buying this, am I oppressing the poor or harming the earth?

    We all know that the level at which Americans consume is doing great harm to the earth. The earth isn’t the only victim of our overconsumption. A huge chunk of the items in our homes and lives are made unjustly, with workers - and specifically women and children - being taken advantage of. Do some research and consider buying items that are fair trade or ethically sourced.

  • 3. Never impulse buy.

    Our motivations for buying things varies - but the “impulse buy” is dangerous and contributes to our life of hurry. As a general rule, when you see an item you want, just sit on it for a while. Give your rational mind time to catch up to your irrational flesh. Does this purchase have God’s blessing on it and if not, do you really want it in your life? Ensure that purchases are made not by impulse but by thoughtful need.

  • 4. When you do buy, opt for fewer, better things.

    Often, in an attempt to save money, we end up buying a lot of cheaply (and usually unjustly) made items instead of waiting and then buying a quality item that will last. Remember, the world is constantly asking, “How do I get more?” But the apprentice of Jesus is regularly found asking, “How can I live with less?”

  • 5. When you can, share.

    Sometimes we don’t need to buy something new - we can just borrow it from a friend or rent it. This can also help us practice being open-handed with our things. Join a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group or a neighborhood community site and find out how you can share with each other…and build community!

  • 6. Get into the habit of giving things away.

    Remember Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Simplicity is not a self-serving task. It is a way to bless others, regularly. Consider how you can give the surplus of your items away. Also, less shopping means more money to be able to give away.

  • 7. Live by a budget.

    Simplicity is discovered as we practice intentionality, and budgeting is intentionality with our finances. A budget is far more than a way to stay out of debt. A budget is to your money what a schedule is to your time. It’s a way to make sure that your “treasure” is going to the right place and not getting squandered.

  • 8. Cultivate a deep appreciation for creation.

    Creation, especially places not touched by consumerism and materialism, has the potential to wake us up to our Creator in ways that few things ever can. Notice gratitude and wonder as it emerges in the outdoors. If materialism despiritualizes us, the material world itself has the opposite effect; it respiritualizes our souls.

  • 9. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures.

    Some of the most pleasing, delightful items are the most simple items. A cup of tea, a walk at sunset, riding a bike with a friend. Not only set aside time for these simple pleasures but open yourself to delight in them.

  • 10. Recognize advertising for what it is - propaganda. Call out the lie.

    When you see an ad, stop and consider what the messaging is trying to sell you. Notice what the product is attempting to promise.