Lynne M. Baab is a Presbyterian minister who teaches pastoral theology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She is the author of several books and can be reached at www.lynnebaab.com.
Although many people are doing spiritual practices on their own, Baab recommends that Christians should try to do them in community, where they can enrich and deepen faith and give us ample opportunity to serve others. She adds that communal spiritual practices can bring fresh vibrancy and meaning to congregational life. Small groups make perfect vehicles for this emphasis.
Baab notes that spiritual disciplines can serve as correctives to some of the toxic forces at work in society. Some practices are:
• Thankfulness
• Fasting
• Contemplative approaches to Scripture
• Hospitality
• Sabbath keeping
Each offers training in the arts of listening, discernment, and drawing closer to God. They also enable us to be more receptive to divine grace. Baab defends spiritual practices against those within Protestantism who maintain that they are legalistic (a form of works righteousness) and a form of self-help. At the end of each chapter, she includes "Questions for Reflection, Discussion, or Journaling" along with a "For Further Reading" section.
