With my job, I'm once again in a situation where I can only attend church sporadically and am looking for a different church anyway. What are some ways for a Christian who cannot attend church to stay spiritually strong? My schedule varies each week at the restaurant, so I cannot attend any type of organized fellowship regularly.
Thanks!
2007-05-01 06:24:41 · 20 answers · asked by Searcher 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A while back, I was unable to attend church for a variety of reasons, specifically because I was very ill and bedridden at the time. It was during that period of time that I grew the MOST in my spiritual walk. Sometimes, the world can get in the way of our communications with Jesus, and we need to keep those lines clear. During that time, God revealed more to me and taught me more than any other time I can remember. I worked on my personal relationship with Him, seeking His face, reading His word and praising His name. I would encourage you to do these things and also, find some likeminded people that you can fellowship with. There are many sites where you can chat with other Christians and receive encouragement. Also, prayer is powerful and it is great to have others praying for you. I will pray for you and am more than willing to answer any questions you have as well as provide encouragement. You can contact me at myspace.com/agapeangel Good luck and God bless!
P.S. This is probably not the forum you want to be in for spiritual growth-or at least not exclusively. Unfortunately, there are many people who are going to try to bring you down, be hurtful, rude and sarcastic. They are entitled to their opinions, but how much are those type of responses going to enrich your life and spiritual walk? This is a great place to witness and testify and share your love of Christ, but not everyone will agree or support your journey here. Be careful.
2007-05-01 06:45:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
*Is Catholic*
It is difficult to maintain true spiritual growth without the Eucharist. Fortunately in western countries, especially in big cities, there is always daily Mass.
Now if you are a Protestant, then that is hard because what you have is a time of fellowship and organized prayer, typically only on Sunday and often for only one service (sometimes two).
Protestantism is more so about the fellowship and hearing a good speaker lecture on scripture or the issue of the day. This leads to people looking at being spiritually strong as feeling as though they are connected to their particular group or brand of theology.
I of course would say that is wrong and being spiritually strong doesn't mean feeling connected, knowing a bunch of bible verses, or what not.
Being spiritually strong means to live one's life in the Lord, to practice the virtues, be God fearing and humble, and to constantly pray for God's mercy.
If you wish for true spirituality, you must endeavor to pray constantly and to contemplate. True spiritual masters have spent years contemplating on one verse of scripture so don't worry about having to memorize or read constantly.
I am guessing that you are a Protestant so I will be general in my suggestions, but here are some things that you can do.
*Engage in spiritual reading. Read the masters. Don't read fluff published in the last 30 years. Read the writings that history has said were written by spiritual masters.
*Reduce distractions. Turn off the noise around you and make time for God.
*Pray constantly, even at work.
*Be humble.
*Treat every last person as if they were Christ. Try to see Christ in all things.
*Take the blame for all of your faults and mistakes, never making excuses.
*Forgive all others of their faults and mistakes.
*Seek the face of God.
*Practice the virtues.
Some general books
Navarre Bible Series -- Excellent spiritual commentary
Introduction to the Devout Life -- Francis de sales
Faith Hope Love -- Pieper -- only if you like philosophy
Christian Spirituality -- Aumann use link
http://www.domcentral.org/study/aumann/cs/default.htm
The Sayings of the Desert Fathers -- Ward
The Sprit and Forms of Protestantism -- Bouyer
2007-05-01 07:06:46 · answer #2 · answered by Liet Kynes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spiritual growth is not found in a church, spiritual growth is only found within, attending a church is only for socializing and giving money, something God has not asked you for, it's OK to attend church, but don't kid yourself into believing that's where spiritual growth comes from. may God bless.
2007-05-01 06:37:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you cant make it Sunday morning go Sunday night. Like my church has an early morning service for those that have no choice but to work on Sunday and there are some around here that have grown so much they are having to have Saturday services and stuff... But til then
Find some time EVERY DAY listen to some good praise and worship music worship him and read your Bible & pray ... When I am away from churchand unable to go I fast and man it is wonderful you get such a connection when you sacrifice to draw close to him>>> Its wonderful
2007-05-01 06:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the scriptures daily.
Pray always.
Start a bible study group with people who are willing to have movable dates and schedule them around your schedule. Many of the larger churches are now promoting home groups. I'd check into that.
2007-05-01 06:32:26 · answer #5 · answered by Tzadiq 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Watch good, anointed Christian stations available in your area anytime you're available, never forget to read your Bible, and never forget to pray.
Also, you might as well invite pastors or matured Christians to have Bible studies in your home.
But, if possible, do your best to find time for God.
2007-05-01 06:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont get to church as often as i would like either. so i pray a lot and read my study bible. i also watch joel osteen's on sunday mornings at 8:30 am on the usa network. and talking to fellow christians helps!
2007-05-01 06:31:19 · answer #7 · answered by brittevans13 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray, of course.
You can fast, if this is your kind of think.
But I think in all Churches the priest should be available to speak to you on a one to one basis, even if it's not for a confession.
2007-05-01 06:28:28 · answer #8 · answered by lx3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I realize it's now not handy in any respect. Because of the folks in America are both devoutly devout like me and the leisure are atheists. Whenever I'm at paintings, i attempt to specific my devout ideals with my peers. Some of the folks are devout like me and the leisure don't seem to be.
2016-09-05 23:34:01 · answer #9 · answered by cura 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read
Get involved in a Bible study group on your day off.
Buy Christian music for your car.
2007-05-01 06:32:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋