God Space Where spiritual conversations happen naturally… Week 5 The Practice of Wondering

Seven Wonders of the World Machu Picchu, Peru Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Chichen Itza, Mexico

Taj Mahal New7Wonders of the World (2006) Great Wall of China Petra (Jordan) Christ the Redeemer (Rio, Brazil) Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Colosseum; Taj Mahal (Acra, India) *Great Pyramid (honorary member)

Seven Wonders of Modern world - American Society of Civil Engineers Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Dictionary meaning of “wonder” and “to wonder” noun a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. a person or thing regarded as very good, remarkable or effective Synonyms: awe, admiration, fascination verb desire to know something; feel curious, feel doubt Synonyms: to ponder, reflect, think about, meditate, speculate “To wonder” is very common in the Bible

The Practice of Praying The Practice of Noticing people& what God is The Practice of Serving – Looking for ways to demonstrate God’s love with no strings attached. The Practice of Listening – Focusing on others! Asking to hear their story. Seeking to understand their worldview. Reflecting back what you’re hearing. Listening to God in discerning prayer. The Practice of Wondering

“Wondering is the practice of using our minds and sense of curiosity to engage people in conversation through the use of “wondering questions” that tap into what others are concerned about or interested in. Questioning requires an openness to people’s doubts, dialogue and feedback in a safe and open space free of censure, condemnation or distancing. When we use open-ended questions to tap into the interests of others, our wonder stimulates their wonder and paves the way for spiritual conversations.”

The two pedals of good conversation Listening Talking/Wondering

Jesus loved asking questions. It got people wondering…. A good wondering question possesses four qualities: 1. It’s driven by genuine curiosity or wonder about another. 2. It’s starts with the other person’s agenda, not our own. 3. It’s open-ended, inviting an honest discussion 4. It probes gently and respectfully into someone’s belief systems and encourages other possibilities. What question or comment could you have said to keep that conversation going? What wondering question could you have asked?

“Our wonder can be expressed in a multiple of ways, but there is something about beginning a question with “I’m wondering” that sets it apart. While anything can be overused, this phrase tends to soften the language that follows. It has the potential to instantly create God Space by demonstrating that we have been sincerely thinking about people or about something they have said. It also protects us from dominating the conversation with our own worldview.” It also shows gentleness and respect. God Space page 74

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey Statue of Zeus, Olympia, Greece Tomb of Mausolus, Turkey Colossus of Rhodes, Greece Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt

An electrical junction in the city of Old Delhi