What are Rhythms of Grace?
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
What we call rhythms of grace, are ancient practices that were on full display in the life of the Lord Jesus. He practiced solitude as he withdrew to pray alone (Mark 1:35). He prayed in community (Luke 9:28). He practiced the sabbath (Luke 4:16), fasted (Matthew 4:1-2), demonstrated generosity (Matthew 19:21), studied and meditated on the Scriptures (Matthew 4:4), and served others (John 13:12-14), all while witnessing everywhere He went (Mark 16:15). His life was one shaped by the rhythms of grace, also known as spiritual disciplines, spiritual practices, or holy habits. No matter what you call them, these rhythms should shape our individual and communal lives as followers of Jesus. Solitude, Prayer, Scripture (memorization & meditation), Sabbath, Community, Fasting, Generosity, Service, & Witnessing, are just a few rhythms mentioned above. This list is not exhaustive, as there are many more, but the heart behind the habits is always about our relationship with the Lord.
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We want to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did and is doing.
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And if we do not practice the rhythms of grace with this in mind, we run the risk of using them as moral measurements that allow us to work ourselves closer to God, instead of habits that help us to recenter on Him.
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We abide in Jesus for our good, for apart from Him we bear no fruit (John 15:5). Whatever we abide in, is what we dwell on, and what we dwell on, we become more like. LET THAT BE JESUS!
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Rhythms of Grace
Our discipleship at The Garden is built around these daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of grace that form us in the way of Jesus:
DEVOTION
Reading, meditating on, and applying Scripture.
→ Practice: Set aside a daily time in the Word.
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PRAYER
Conversation with God—listening and speaking.
→ Practice: Begin and end your day with prayer.
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FELLOWSHIP
Living in gospel-centered community.
→ Practice: Join a group and attend Sunday services.
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WORSHIP
Whole-life response to God’s worth.
→ Practice: Reorient your day around God’s glory.
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REPENTANCE
Turning from sin, turning toward God.
→ Practice: Ask the Spirit to reveal areas of spiritual drift, and confess.
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GENEROSITY
Stewarding God’s resources for His mission.
→ Practice: Give regularly and sacrificially with joy.
SERVICE
Using your gifts to love others.
→ Practice: Serve in a church ministry or local mission.
WITNESS
Sharing the story of Jesus through your story.
→ Practice: Write your testimony. Share it with one new person this month.
SABBATH
Resting to remember God is in control.
→ Practice: Practice a weekly day of rest—worship, delight, and cease from striving.
MULTIPLY
Raising up others to follow Jesus.
→ Practice: Invest in someone spiritually. Help them grow.