Dr. Henry Cloud was speaking recently about spiritual growth. If you don’t know him, pick up one of his books. He is a psychologist and has keen insight into people. He pointed out in the talk that at an early stage of spiritual growth, people become fascinated with practices such as prayer and study. They think that if everyone prayed and studied, everyone in the world would be saved and live in peace.
Unfortunately, at some point we begin to realize life gets in the way. We also, if we are not careful, slip into a pattern with our prayer and study. We say the same things in prayer. We no longer read with joy of learning new things, rather with the expectation of seeing things that reinforce what we know.
In a word, we become rigid.
I’m preparing my mind, heart and Spirit to begin leading a group in learning the Spiritual Disciplines (or Spiritual Practices). Cloud’s words are a reminder to not let our practices become rigid. We need a prayer that reminds us to open up our hearts to the teaching and guidance we need to grow.
It’s not just prayer–it’s a new conversation with God every day. It’s not just study–it’s opening our minds to see new ways God is speaking to us. It’s not just attending a celebration–it’s singing with joy. It’s not just service–it’s caring for others.
Jesus said he came to set the prisoners free. Sometimes the prison is our own mind.
Faith Venture 
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