Personal Reflection

/

As I think about the importance of reflection, it occurs to me that we tend to not value introspection in our culture. We’re taught to consume, to coast, and to allow the loudest voice or the person at the front to decide for us. Critical thinking isn’t attractive and takes discipline and effort.

Related to this, worship can become a spectator sport, with people coming to be filled up and to let the leader do it all for them. They may sing and close their eyes to pray and repeat responses but they aren’t necessarily engaging their brain. Reflecting on what is said and read from scripture takes energy.

This past Sunday I attempted an abridged form of lectio divina, or divine reading, in our scripture reading time. I read the story of Mary and Martha a second time slowly after inviting people to quiet themselves and either close their eyes or follow along intently in their Bible. Then I asked some of the questions relating to the other steps of this spiritual practice to give them a taste of it. People commented after about how much richer an experience this was for them.

While I suggested that people could try this at home, I also realize that likely few will. We tend to be stuck in patterns of if and how we do personal devotional time and theological reflection and, while I provided an insert with the steps for the daily Ignatian examen, I would be surprised if many try it. So the question then becomes, how do we encourage thinking and discernment? Because each of us has to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). We can’t rely on the person at the front to do it for us. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Ask questions very intentionally during children’s times, sermons and programs. I love wondering questions that have no right or wrong answers and which can make people feel safe in exploring and sharing how they feel and what they’ve experienced. Who are they in the story? When have they experienced something similar?

  2. Encourage careful reading of scripture. As someone said to me yesterday, we sometimes see the Bible as a book we’ve already read. Slow reading with pauses and perhaps guiding questions can make it a much richer experience. Acting it out can also help us to live the story and notice things we wouldn’t otherwise. All of this creates fodder for reflection and finding deeper meaning.

  3. Encourage people to think about where they are now compared to where they were a year ago, five years ago, ten or more. What has shifted? How is their understanding of scripture different? What life experiences have altered their beliefs and ideas about God? Drawing a life map, creating a mandala, doodling or journaling can all help with this kind of reflection.

  4. Challenge people to hear the same story as it is found in different gospels or Bible translations and to notice the ways they are the same and how they differ. Why might these differences exist and how do they impact meaning? Show people how to google Bible passages and find online commentaries and resources to enrich their understanding.

  5. Perhaps the most important skills we can develop are learning to be still on our own to meditate and open ourselves to God’s inspiration, and learning to be part of a group that can share and gain insight from each other as we study the Word and worship. We need both of these to truly grow. For those who struggle with silence and stillness, drawing, writing, icons or a symbol to hold can help with focus.

  6. Reflection is great, but we also need to nudge people with a “so what?” We can spend all day thinking, but if it doesn’t translate into life change or action that reflects our insight and God’s love in the world then it hasn’t reached its potential. As we listen for divine guidance and wisdom, we need to be ready to act on it for the betterment of our lives and for others.

How amazing that God provides so many avenues for reflection and enlightenment and self-awareness for us. How amazing that God seeks to equip and guide us for our journeys. May we challenge ourselves and those we serve to be wise stewards of these gifts.