Spiritual Practices #3 Daniel chapter 6

The Inward and Outward Disciplines Practiced individually or corporately

A Rule of Spiritual Life The Five Pillars of Islam A declaration of Faith "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger" Praying five times a day Fasting - including the month of Ramadan Almsgiving (2.5% to the poor & mosque upkeep) Pilgrimage to Mecca Why do you think these practices are laid down as the five pillars of Muslim faith?

Does Christian faith have a similar set of pillars that are core activities? Bible reading Prayer Worship/The Lord’s Supper Declaration of faith Sabbath? Seasons of Christian Year – Advent/Christmas, Epiphany, Lent/Easter, Pentecost

Gave a structure and rhythm to the community The Rule of Benedict Gave a structure and rhythm to the community The Daily Office, the Divine Office, Fixed Hour Prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours. ‘Office’ comes from Latin for ‘Duty’ (Routine)

Where did these prayer times throughout the day come from? The Shema (Deut 6v4-7) "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.“ (So Shema repeated morning and night) Psalm 119 v164 - “Seven times a day I praise you.” Temple sacrifices took place twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening (Exodus 29:38-39). Daniel in Babylon. Acts 10 Peter & Cornelius

Four Aspects to The Daily Office 2. Focusing (Centering) Stopping 2. Focusing (Centering) 3. Silence 4. Scripture The key is regular remembrance, openness and attentiveness to God. What spiritual practices, routines and rhythms do you have, or could you develop, to keep you grounded and focussed and living peacefully and actively for the kingdom? To keep developing the character and lifestyle of Christ in you?