Service Practice Week 1
Love
The service practice is invitation to follow the example of Jesus, who "came not to be served, but to serve". In this practice we will explore what it looks like to make serving others our default way of bring in the world. This transformation into people of self-giving love is the result of true spiritual formation under Jesus. Below you will find steps to help you engage with this practice over the next four weeks, as well as resources for further exploration.
Ways to engage with the Service Practice
First and foremost, this practice (and all practices) are meant to be done in community. If you haven't yet, find a small group of people that are commited to walking through this practice together.
Download the Service Practice Guide. If you can, it is advised to print it out to reduce the distraction of our devices.
Gather with your group once a week to watch the Practicing the Way video found below. This will include questions for discussion, as well as a short teaching on that week's practice.
Step into each practice as much as you are able and feel comfortable to. This invitation is for everyone at all stages of life and faith.
Reflect on your experience of the practice using the reflection questions at the bottom of the guide and be prepared to share them the next time you gather with your group.
Recommended Reading
The Active Life by Parker Palmer (Chapters 1-2)
Rule of Life Podcast
Service Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 1 Practice - One Act of Service
For this exercise, start by serving someone in your family or relational circle, not a stranger. This act could be as small as:
Cleaning the dishes when you don't want to.
Buying a cup of coffee for a coworker
Running an errand for a neighbor
You don't need to announce or draw attention to what you're doing - it's okay if it goes unnoticed. Just quietly love this person by meeting a practical need of theirs. And as you serve, let the love of God come through your heart, allowing Him to love others through you.
Week 1 Reflection Questions
Before your next time together with the group for Week 2, take five minutes to journal out your answers to the following three questions about the practice:
Where did I feel Resistance?
Where did I feel Joy?
Where did I most experience God's nearness
