Spiritual Pathwaysنموونە

Finding the Pathway(s)

We have taken the week to explore the idea of “Spiritual Pathways,” examining different ways men might commune with the Living God beyond only prayer and Scripture. Men are wired differently and can connect with God in many different ways, and we rejoice in the beauty of a Creator who has provided such uniqueness in His Body and so many interesting ways to pursue Him.

This week, we explored:

·The Intellectual Pathway (drawing close to God through learning)

·The Serving Pathway (drawing close to God through serving)

·The Reflection Pathway (drawing close to God through meditating)

·The Worship Pathway (drawing close to God through praising)

·The Senses Pathway (drawing close to God through sensing)

·The Justice Pathway (drawing close to God through fighting for a cause)

·The Solitude Pathway (drawing close to God through being alone)

·The Community Pathway (drawing close to God through being with others)

·The Ritual Pathway (drawing close to God through ceremonies)

·The Creation Pathway (drawing close to God through nature)

St. Irenaeus famously said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” We bring the most glory to our Father in Heaven when we are the most alive in Him. When our souls are stirred up, our spirits are filled, and we are connected to the life that comes from the Living God, then we are at our best, and our lives point to the God who has made it all happen.

Pursuing deeper communion with God is both good for us and glorifying to Him.

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 16:9) and are invited into fellowship with God through Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:9). Our God invites us to meet with Him and find our peace in Him as we do so.

As you reflect on the many pathways we examined over the past week, most men will naturally find themselves on two or three of them. We are not bound to any one path, or limited to remaining on any one path. Part of the beauty of this exercise is learning about different ways to connect with God and then trying some new ones to see if they are good places for us to encounter the Lord.

As you seek Him, may you draw close to Him in whatever way works, finding joy and peace in your soul as you do.

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing so many different ways to connect with You! Help me find the best ways to do so and stretch myself to explore new ways of expanding my relationship with You. Amen.

Reflection: What did you take away as you learned about and experienced different ways to commune with God this week? Are there any “tried and true” pathways that are fulfilling for you? Have you encountered any new ways to connect with God?