Service Practice Week 2
Hiddenness
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 3-4)
Rule of Life Podcast
Service Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 2 Practice - One (Hidden) Act of Service
It's the same as last week, to find a person in your ordinary life to serve in just one small way, but this time, to try and keep it hidden, Or at least, really, really quiet. This might look like:
Anonymously buying flowers for someone.
Dropping off a meal for someone in need and not telling anyone about it.
Volunteering for a local charity, but not telling any of your friends.
As you serve, pay attention to your heart's desire to be seen. Talk to God about it. Let God free your heart from the approval or disapproval of others.
Week 2 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:
What emotions did I feel throughout this excercise?
Where did I experience resistance
What invitation(s) from God do I sense here?
