Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Psalm 119: 34
Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Luke 11: 28
Among the beautiful things Susanna Wesley did with her children was to spend one hour a week with each child, asking about their faith, their fears, their hopes and dreams, the state of their souls. This loving activity was to shape Wesley's later practice of asking Methodists to meet together in weekly small groups to inquire about one another's progress in the faith.
What strikes me in reading Susanna's words, and the words of her children about her, was how important her faith, life and prayers were for the Methodist revival that her two sons would lead. Susanna Wesley changed the world by shaping the heart and faith of her children and by her wise counsel and persistent prayers and encouragement.
(Adapted from Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It, chapter one, by Adam Hamilton)
From the lives of John and Susanna Wesley, we can see the impact that consistent actions can have on a person's faith. As you kick-start your faith revival, consider being disciplined in practices of faith.
Most of the practices listed here are inspired by Susanna Wesley (plus a bonus from the group's discussion at Anchored last Thursday!). Which action will you practice this week?
1. Pray daily for children
Pray for your own children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or for children in your church or neighborhood, or around the world. You may even chose to tell these children you are praying for them. Not sure where to start? Compassion International has great ideas for 52 Ways to Pray for Children.
2. Listen to children
If you are a parent, you might set aside time each week to listen to your children, asking them about their faith, fears, hopes and dreams. If you are not a parent, you might send a weekly email to the children in your life, letting the children know you are thinking about and praying for them. If you aren't a parent but have the opportunity to interact with children regularly, make a point to talk with a child who is close to you - and let them do more of the talking. When the child shares, really listen to what he or she is saying.
3. Listen to the voices of others
Open yourself to a political, religious or cultural perspective that differs markedly from your own. Listen carefully to what is being said by the person* holding those views. Then, with that perspective firmly in mind, test it against your own convictions. Be guided in these interactions by the defining Christian characteristics of humility, grace and love.
*If a face-to-face dialogue is not possible, pursue a news source (like a newspaper or blog) you may not normally read, one that has a perspective that differs from yours.
4. Reflect on difficult circumstances
Set aside time daily for devotion and to reflect about difficult times in your life. How did you respond? Was your faith strengthened or diminished? If you are currently experiencing a trying or stressful time in your life, you might invite the Spirit to move in you and help you persevere through this difficulty.
5. Keep a daily journal (addition from the group)
What type of journaling do you recommend or would you like to try? Please "comment" and share your ideas!
(All but the fifth item are adapted from Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It - Leader Guide, chapter one, by Adam Hamilton)