Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest, university professor (Yale; Harvard School of Divinity), and the author of many books on Christian spirituality.
In Spiritual Direction he talks about developing "The 3 Disciplines of the Spiritual Life." They are:
- Solitude
- Community
- Ministry
Community: This is where we encounter others and create a space of welcome between us, where all are free to love God and one another. Here, we affirm the goodness we see in one another, and the overflow of that community causes us to engage in...
Ministry: sharing our gifts and belovedness with a world in need. Ministry is the natural response of someone who knows they are blessed, and who seeks to share that with the world.
The interesting thing about the three disciplines is that, for them to work, they must be practiced in order.
To serve someone (Ministry), I must first acknowledge the goodness in that person (Community). I cannot know that my neighbor has worth and value unless I know first that I am valued by God (Solitude). Then I can recognize that my sisters and brothers are also beloved by God. It's all tied together.
Why is this important?
At STARR, we minister to our brothers and sisters in need. We have built up a community of students, in partnership with many sites throughout Indianapolis. But the thing is... if we don't spend time outside of STARR in solitude, we might not be giving our all. Taking the time to discern what your gifts are, and asking God in prayer how you are called to serve the world, will better equip you to make an impact at STARR and beyond.
Solitude. Community. Ministry.
Do them in order!
Thanks, Gabby! I wonder how many of us have thought about spending time in prayer as a way to better serve when we go to STARR... GREAT thoughts. THANK YOU for sharing.
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