Spiritual Exercises

Just like one does various physical exercises to strengthen one's body, so there are spiritual exercises to strengthen one's soul.  Self will is to give way to the Divine Will and self love is to give way to Divine Love.  If an athlete must have adequate training to compete in the athletic games, so our soul must be trained in righteousness to be spiritually fit and ready for God's divine orders.

It is through spiritual exercises we learn to allow the dark fire of God's love and transparent light of God's heart to penetrate the darkness and hardness of our own hearts.  We have kept in step for far too long with the world's rate race and have forgotten how to keep in step with the great rhythms of God's grand universe.

Whereas physical exercise is usually focused on self-improvement, the focus of spiritual exercises is on the death of self and doing selfless acts of love for others.  It is centered in God's grace and power and not our own works or power.  This total dependence on the Holy Spirit sets a person free to love with the very love God gives to us. 

Just like one must stretch and prepare to physically exercise, there are spiritual stretches of the soul a person needs to do to be fully prepared to go deeper with God.

1.  First we meditate on our own weaknesses.  Until we come to the end of ourselves and know we can do nothing without God, our best efforts will fall short.  We need God's help even for the smallest matter.

2.  Secondly, we ask God with great humility.  It is God's grace that aids us to come to Him alone.  When we cast ourselves at Jesus feet, it is there that God begins his greatest work within us.

3.  Third, distrust your own strength and the powers of your own reasoning abilities.  Our rational mind will hinder us into experiencing the depths of Jesus Christ because it wants to be on the throne and desires to be in control.  Until we abandon ourselves and even our own strengths, then we will learn what it means to rest in God's love and strength.

4,  Fourth, contemplate the infinite wisdom, power, and goodness of God.  A balance of fear of ourselves and a hope in God is what truly nourishes the soul.

5.  Fifth, do not judge rashly.  Have compassion on others and do not see yourself as any better than anyone else.  Acknowledge that you are but dust and ashes and consider others better than yourself.

6.  Sixth, do not conceal anything and confess everything.  Surrender everything to God and put no confidence in your own flesh nor give yourself any credit when there is tangible gain.