Soul Food
RESTORING WASTED YEARS IN (ii) Spirituality
Sat 12 Oct 2024

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
Another aspect of life where we need restoration is Spirituality. The swarming locust of worldliness, vaingloriousness, and the palmerworm of carnality have attacked our spirituality, and we have become entirely detached from our Source. But there is hope. God wants us to be spiritual. He desires for His children to connect deeply with Him. In Genesis, God walks with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, signalling His intent for intimate communion with humankind (Genesis 3:8). It is essential to God that we live a spirit-filled life because He created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). Being made in God’s image means we are designed with an inherent spirituality intended to be nurtured and developed. 
John 4:24 underscores this: “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This is the essence of true spirituality—worship not confined to specific places or rituals but expressed through a genuine, inward connection with God. In this sense, Spirituality is not found in outward religious symbols or actions but in the depth of our relationship with God, who is Spirit. Therefore, our theme, “Restoring wasted years in Spirituality”, is a call to grow in spirituality as Christians, that is, deepening our relationship with God, increasing understanding and living out the teachings of Christ, and cultivating the attributes of the Holy Spirit within one’s life. Thomas Merton says, “The helper by whom we live is not the courage, nor the strength, nor the wisdom of man; the helper is God.” To restore those wasted years in our spirituality, we must engage in spiritual disciplines that will draw us closer to God, to whom we must grow. 
Prayer is spirituality’s lifeline, encompassing communication with God and quiet listening. It involves talking to God and listening for His guidance. Setting aside dedicated times for prayer each day fosters a deep, personal connection with God. The practice of “silent prayer” or contemplative prayer also helps cultivate a sense of God’s presence. Setting 
aside time for spiritual retreats or quiet times away from the busyness of everyday life can provide the space needed to reflect, meditate, and pray. These times can be critical for hearing God’s voice more clearly and making significant spiritual progress. Jesus Christ, our Example, exemplified this. He maintained a constant link with the Father through prayer.
Scripture is another way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Regular, meditative reading of the Bible helps us understand God’s character and His will for our lives. Techniques like lectio divina (a practice of reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation used to promote communion with God) can enrich the Bible study experience and help us apply its truths to life. In addition, Fasting and other disciplines of self-denial are traditional practices that can deepen one’s spiritual life by reducing dependence on worldly things and enhancing reliance on God. These practices are not 
just about abstaining from food but can also include other forms of sacrifice and simplification to focus more on spiritual matters.
It is also important to remember that Christianity is not a solitary journey. Being part of a faith community is crucial for encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Sharing experiences, learning from others, and praying together are integral to building one’s spiritual life. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17). Christian spirituality is not practised in isolation but within the context of a community— the Church. This fellowship involves supporting one another in spiritual growth, bearing each other’s burdens, and working together to manifest the kingdom of God on Earth.
Most importantly, we must come to terms with the fact that Spirituality is a lifestyle that is lived out daily in our decisions, relationships, and interactions. Paul instructs us in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” This means that our spirituality must permeate every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, attitudes, work, and even how we handle challenges. The spiritual person does not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to guide every aspect of life.
In conclusion, the Christian hope of eternity underlines the call to Spirituality. Colossians 3:1-2 advisesbelievers to set their hearts and minds on things above, not earthly things. This eternal perspective shapes a spiritual mindset that transcends the immediate and visible, looking forward to a future in full communion with God. 1 John 3:2 says: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we will be like him, for we shall see Him as he is.”
Let us dare to be spiritual and maintain deep intimacy with God. Through it, we have the fullness of life promised to His children. Romans 8:6 reminds us, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Have a blessed week!

image
Weekly Collect
Prayers meant to gather the intentions of the people and the focus of worship into a succinct prayer
image
Prayer for the Year
Our Yearly prayer to protect and bless us the whole year.
image
Bible Study
Lets sit down and discuss the messages and instructions in the bible to guide us.