Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality “The gift of wonder begins with the awakening of awareness. Our part is then simply being open to seeing the ordinary in a new light-through childlike eyes of wonder.” When we wonder about anything it is like holding the object of our attention gently without having to…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality There are two ways of knowing and responding to the world: the way of reason and the way of wonder.  The way of reason eliminates mystery and tries to control. The way of wonder accepts mysteries of life and responds with awe. When we pay attention and…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book,  Soulful Spirituality Often we need to be reminded to get off autopilot and actually live our lives rather than just unconsciously flowing down the stream of life. Mindfulness is being aware and awake in the present moment. For most of us, we get lost in our thoughts and feelings…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality Being aware and awake are very important aspects of our spiritual journey. We go through most of life as sleepwalkers and need to awaken and become aware, lest we live shallow lives. The Bible encourages us to rise from our sleep, listen to what the Spirit is…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality Our body plays a vital role in our life-enhancing spirituality. Until we feel at home in our bodies, we can never truly be home any where. Our body, the senses, and the emotions, all have a crucial role to play in spirituality. Sexuality is connected to spirituality…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality As Christians we sometimes feel stuck in our spiritual journey and think we must practice more spiritual disciplines. But sometimes what we need to do is to step back and focus on the foundational spiritual practices with attentiveness. One pastor had a life changing experience by practicing…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality Our journey to full personhood takes a lifetime and is not completed until death. Death is an important part of our journey and the last stage of our lives.  Spirituality is essential to our whole life. In the first stage of our lives from childhood to midlife…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality We are soul and we are spirit and both call us on a journey. Spirit is dynamic, energizing, and enriching. It gives us energy to live life to the full. Without Spirit we have no life. Spirit sustains us and gives us purpose and direction to life.…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality St. Irenaeus reminds us, “God is glorified when we are fully alive.” The lifelong journey for all of us human beings involves growth in freedom, an opening up of our hearts to others, stepping out from behind the walls of our fears and prejudice, and discovering our…

Devotions based on David Benner’s book, Soulful Spirituality How do we respond to our deepest longings and desires that we all have?  Benner gives 3 ways that we deal with them. The first way is ego-inflation where we pursue the gratification without much attempt to channel the energy. This may be a life of boundless…