This week’s assignment is designed to be completed slowly and prayerfully. Use the PRAY framework below as a guide. The goal is not to rush or read ahead, but to remain present with the readings assigned for this week.

P Pause

Begin by slowing down. Set aside distractions and take a few quiet moments to become present before God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time in Scripture and reflection.

You may begin with a simple prayer such as:

“Lord, help me to listen, receive, and respond with honesty and openness.”

R Read

Read 2 Peter 1:3–11.

Read the passage slowly and attentively. You may wish to read it more than once. Pay attention to the qualities Peter names and how they describe growth in a life shaped by Christ. Allow the text to speak before moving toward analysis or application.

Look Ahead Reading for next week

Mark 12:28–34

A Attend

As you read, notice what is happening within you.

What words or phrases stand out

Where do you feel encouraged or challenged

What questions or longings surface

Reflection Question

What is your current spiritual state and where do you sense a desire or invitation to grow

It is okay if the answer feels unclear or incomplete

You may find it helpful to journal your reflections or sit quietly with them in prayer.

Y Yield

Offer what you have noticed to God. Bring your insights, questions, doubts, and hopes before Him. Ask God to shape your heart and guide your growth through this process.

Reading Expectations

Please do not read far ahead. Stay with the readings assigned for the week and allow them time to work on you. Spiritual growth often comes through slow attention rather than speed.

When reading Spiritual Classics you may not agree with everything you encounter and that is okay. We encourage you to think critically and engage thoughtfully. Test what you read against Scripture. Hold onto what is helpful and as the saying goes chew on it and spit out the bone. Our goal is not agreement with every author but growth into the likeness of Christ.

Key Passage: Mark 12:28–34

Then reread verses 30–31, pausing after each phrase:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart

With all your soul

With all your mind

With all your strength

Love your neighbor as yourself

Let the words sit before moving on.

Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength

Use the following as guiding categories. These overlap; the goal is awareness, not perfection.

Heart – desires, loves, motives, longings

Soul – inner life, spiritual vitality, closeness with God

Mind – thoughts, beliefs, attention, understanding

Strength – actions, habits, discipline, consistency

Rank yourself (1–10) in each area:

Briefly reflect:

Where do you feel strongest right now?

Where do you feel weakest or most invited to grow?

Book Work: Sorting the Disciplines

Open your book and look at the table of contents. For each discipline or section, decide which category it best fits under:

Heart

Soul

Mind

Strength

Some may overlap, choose the primary category. Notice which areas you naturally gravitate toward and which you tend to neglect.

Loving Your Neighbor

Pick three practices or disciplines from those contents you can do that will help you love your neighbor well. Be specific and realistic. Write them down.

A Needed Turn

Now choose three that others could do for you that help you feel genuinely loved. write those down.

This is an exercise in honesty and humility. We often hope to be loved in specific ways but never name them.

Reflect:

Do I offer love to others in the same way I hope to receive it?

The real list is probably your list with how you want to be loved. We tend to treat others the way we want to be treated.

Reading for the Week

Read Thomas Moore, pages 5–9.

Read slowly and reflect

In A Godly Meditation, Thomas More creates space for honest reflection about our relationship with God. Rather than laying out strict steps, he invites us to notice what’s happening in our hearts, how we experience God, how we approach prayer, and what we truly long for. There’s a sense of freedom here, even playfulness, as if the goal is not perfection but attentiveness.

More raises an important tension: God is the source of all life, yet it’s easy to become turned inward. His writing gently asks whether our spiritual lives feel more like self-examination or genuine connection. This echoes later writers like John Donne, who also wrestle with what it means to know God personally rather than simply think about Him. The bridesmaid analogy often found in scripture invites a deeper question: When you think about God, do you feel more inclined to ask questions—or to draw near? It’s not meant to pressure an answer, but to help us notice where our desire actually sits.

Private prayer and meditation appear as moments to pause and pay attention. Rather than adding another task, they invite us to notice what already fills our focus and how God fits into that space.

Group Reflection Questions:

How did this meditation make you feel as you read or listened?

Where do you notice your attention going most days?

When you think about God, what emotions come up first?

Does the idea of quiet, private prayer feel inviting, uncomfortable, or neutral?

What might it look like to make space for God this week, without forcing it?

This Week’s Practice:

To keep reflecting on these questions, we’ll be sharing a Private Prayer handout below. There’s no expectation, just an invitation to notice what comes up as you spend a little intentional time with God.

In this week’s Spiritual Growth gathering, we lingered with one of Jesus’ most unsettling teachings: loving our enemies. Not as a command to master, but as an invitation to notice what stirs in us when we hear it. Resistance, discomfort, confusion, even quiet agreement all surfaced as honest responses.

Jesus’ words in Luke 6:27–36 press against our instincts. Love those who oppose you. Forgive without keeping score. Release the impulse to defend or retaliate. Rather than rushing to application, we allowed the weight of that invitation to sit with us. How hard is it, really, to love someone who has hurt us? And what does that reveal about where our hearts are aimed?

Our conversation turned toward the idea of sin as “missing the mark.” Not simply wrongdoing, but misalignment. Like bowling with good intention but poor aim, we often desire what is good yet fall short in how we love. Sometimes we offer too much love without truth. Other times we cling to truth while withholding grace. In both cases, the mark is missed—not from rebellion, but imbalance.

This helped reframe the struggle of loving enemies. The issue is rarely just behavior. It is often perception. When we stop seeing others as children of God, they quietly become problems to manage rather than people to love. Jesus’ teaching invites a shift in how we see, not just how we act.

We also reflected on the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, choosing what felt familiar over trusting where God was leading. In the same way, resentment and unforgiveness can feel justified, even protective, while keeping us spiritually stuck. Letting go is not easy, but it opens the possibility of movement and trust.

Rather than offering solutions, the invitation this week was simple: to notice. Where does forgiveness feel costly? Where does love feel constrained? And what might obedience look like before emotion catches up?

Group Reflection Questions

What emotions surfaced for you as we talked about loving enemies?

Where do you notice yourself missing the mark most often—through withholding grace or lacking boundaries?

Who feels hardest to see as a child of God right now?

What patterns or responses feel familiar but might be keeping you stuck?

What does “letting go” look like for you this week?

This Week’s Practice

For this week, we invite you to read page 57 in the book on fasting. As you read, notice what fasting reveals about attention, dependence, and desire. There’s no pressure to do more—just space to become aware of what God may already be stirring.

Most of us don’t wake up intending to be critical. Often, criticism feels justified. It can sound like discernment, high standards, or honesty. But Marshall invites us to ask a harder question:

Is my criticism rooted in love, or in pride, impatience, insecurity, or control?

1. Understanding Criticalness

There is a difference between discernment and a critical spirit:

Discernment seeks restoration.

Criticalness seeks superiority.

Discernment speaks truth in love.

Criticalness often magnifies faults while minimizing our own.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 remind us to notice the plank in our own eye before focusing on someone else’s speck. Lent is a season to slow down enough to actually see that plank.

2. What Criticism Reveals

Marshall discovered that even unspoken criticism shapes the heart. Repeated inner judgments form habits of thought. Over time, they harden us.

When we notice criticism rising, it’s worth asking:

What expectation of mine is being violated?

Am I tired? Frustrated? Feeling unseen?

Is this about them, or about something in me?

Criticism often reveals deeper needs.

3. Replacing Judgment with Prayer

Marshall suggests a simple but powerful practice:

Turn every critical thought into a prayer.

Instead of rehearsing frustration, rehearse intercession.

This shifts the heart from superiority to humility, from reaction to compassion. The goal is not silence for silence’s sake, it is transformation of posture.

4. The Goal of the Fast

Fasting from criticism is not about pretending problems don’t exist. It is about examining the tone of our heart. If God corrected us the way we internally critique others, how would that feel?

The Gospel reminds us that we are corrected with mercy and shaped with patience. To fast from criticalness is to mirror the heart of Christ. This Lent, the question is not, “How well can I control my words?” It is, “How deeply can I love?”

Discussion Questions

When does criticism most easily surface in you?

How do you personally distinguish discernment from a critical spirit?

What insecurity, hurt, or unmet expectation might sit beneath your criticism?

What relationship in your life would change if you replaced critique with prayer?

What practical step can help you pause before reacting?

Homework:

Read the “Dealing with temptations” handout by Thomas Kempis

Thomas à Kempis teaches that temptation is not a sign that something is wrong with you — it is evidence that you are human. Even the faithful face inner battles. The question is not “Why am I tempted?” but “What will I do when temptation comes?”

1. Understanding the Battle

Kempis helps us see two kinds of struggle:

Temptation – inner desires, impulses, self-control issues, passions pulling us in certain directions.

Tribulation – external hardship, pressure, suffering, or difficult circumstances.

Temptation tests our character from the inside.

Tribulation tests our trust from the outside.

Both invite us to lean into God.

2. Discerning Your Desires

Not every passion should be followed. Culture says, “Follow your heart.” Scripture says, “Guard your heart.”

We must ask:

Is this desire leading me closer to God or further away?

Is this a lesser good distracting me from a greater good?

Kempis reminds us that unchecked passions can quietly shape our direction. Self-control is not repression — it is strength aimed at love.

3. Don’t Worship the Discipline

One of his strongest warnings is this: do not let the discipline replace God.

It is easy to get focused on:

How well we fast

How strong our willpower is

How much we improve

But the goal is not self-mastery for its own sake. The goal is to love, honor, and praise God. Spiritual practices are tools, not trophies.

4. The Right Source

Psalm 1 describes a tree planted by streams of water. A healthy tree draws from its source. It doesn’t compete with other trees for life — it is nourished by the stream.

When we seek peace in food, distraction, relationships, achievement, or comfort, we may numb our hunger — but we do not nourish our souls.

Temptation often reveals where we are trying to drink from the wrong stream.

The Christian life is not about never feeling desire. It is about learning where true life comes from.

Victory is not perfection — it is returning to God quickly and consistently.

Discussion Questions

What temptation most often tests your self-control?

How do you discern between a healthy desire and a destructive one?

Where do you most often seek relief instead of nourishment?

Have you ever focused more on spiritual discipline than on loving God?

What practical habit (prayer, pause, accountability, Scripture) could help you endure temptation this week?

Homework

For next week, please read page 111 in your book on Simplicity and come prepared to share one key insight or conviction that stood out to you.

This week we want to do something a little different. We are sharing a short reflection from one of our members who has been walking through this week’s lessons in a very personal way. Their journey with the idea of simplicity has been both honest and meaningful, and we hope it encourages you as you reflect on your own faith walk. Enjoy

Embracing Simplicity on My Faith Journey

In today's fast-paced world, the relentless pursuit of busyness and accumulation often overshadows the things that truly matter. Recently, during a Spiritual Growth class, I was prompted to reflect on the meaning of simplicity in my life. It’s a concept that has become especially poignant on my personal faith journey—a journey marked by a desire to grow closer to God while navigating the complexities of everyday existence.

Simplicity may seem like a small word, but its implications are vast. At its essence, simplicity calls for us to strip away the distractions that often cloud our spiritual focus. The Bible provides clear guidance on this theme, particularly in Matthew 6:19-21, where we are urged not to accumulate earthly treasures, which are fleeting, but rather to invest in treasures that endure eternally. This teaching struck me deeply, prompting critical self-reflection on whether my daily choices align with divine principles or are merely caught up in the relentless chase for material gain.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, articulates a secret that resonates with my heart: learning to be content in every circumstance. Philippians 4:11-13 captures this beautifully, where Paul states, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” This idea of contentment struck me as I started to reflect on the clutter—both physical and emotional—that surrounded me. It became clear that the key to a fulfilling life lies not in the accumulation of things but in our connection to God, to others, and to our true selves.

As I began to declutter my life, I discovered that less stuff indeed creates more room for God. The process was liberating; I found that letting go of unnecessary possessions lightened not just my physical space but also my spirit. With less to manage, I could focus on what truly matters—deepening my relationship with God and nurturing the bonds with my loved ones. It’s surprising how much mental clarity one can gain from tidying up; the act becomes a form of worship, a sprint toward a more faithful and meaningful life.

But simplicity isn’t merely about cleaning out old drawers. It’s about abandoning the emotional weights that keep us stuck, whether that’s the guilt of past mistakes or the burden of unmet expectations. In channeling my inner decluttering diva, I transformed my personal space into a haven for my heart and soul. I realized that decluttering is a spiritual practice, one that fosters an environment where prayer and reflection can flourish.

In my quest for simplicity, I’ve also found a renewed appreciation for nature and the vibrant community surrounding me. Psalm 46:10 urges us to “be still, and know that I am God.” This call to stillness has inspired me to immerse myself in the outdoors, to experience the beauty of creation firsthand. Whether it's a walk in the park or a moment spent in the quiet of a forest, these spaces become sacred reminders of God's handiwork, drawing me closer to Him.

Moreover, this journey has enriched my understanding of faith. The command to love God and to love our neighbors, found in Mark 12:30-31, has taken on a new depth for me. I’ve learned that love is rooted in kindness, humility, and selfless service, extending beyond the boundaries of our busy lives.

Ultimately, my faith journey reveals that seeking simplicity is more than a lifestyle choice; it’s a pathway to profound spiritual growth. By shedding the burdens of complexity, I find clarity and purpose, nurturing a deeper relationship with God and those around me. In a world that often feels chaotic, embracing simplicity serves as a powerful anchor, grounding me in faith, love, and the beautiful, intricate dance of life.

This week’s reflection centers on the Christian practice of self-denial. At first glance, giving something up may seem like it would reduce our joy, but Scripture teaches the opposite. When we surrender our own desires and priorities to Christ, we actually make room for a deeper joy rooted in obedience and love for God.

Jesus Himself modeled this for us. Though He was equal with God, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2). Because of this, Christians are called to follow His example—setting aside our own pride, desires, and selfishness so that we can better love God and serve others.

Practicing self-denial requires self-awareness. We must learn to recognize the difference between our needs and our wants. Often our desires can feel like necessities, especially when we have believed them for a long time. But through prayer, reflection, and submission to Christ, we begin to untangle those desires and allow God to reshape our priorities.

There are several parts of our inner life involved in this process:

Reason – the ability to think and discern truth

Will – the decision to act or choose a certain path

Desire – the longings that pull us toward what we want

All three influence our decisions. When these are not submitted to Christ, our desires can begin to control our lives. But when we bring them before God, He helps us realign them with His will.

Self-denial is not about pretending we are perfect or ignoring our brokenness. Instead, it begins with honest humility—acknowledging the areas of our lives that need transformation. We bring these struggles before God again and again, trusting Him to work through our weakness.

God often reveals His glory not through our strength, but through our brokenness and dependence on Him. When we humbly surrender ourselves, His mercy and grace begin to lead us out of that brokenness and into new life. Ultimately, self-denial is not simply about giving things up—it is about giving ourselves fully to Christ, allowing His grace to reshape our hearts so that we can live in obedience, humility, and love just like he exampled.

Next weeks homework is to read Augustine Pg. 67 in the book Cleansing the Heart