Today, we conclude our series on the Desert Fathers. And we conclude with a call to action. Henri Nouwen writes:
“Precisely because our resistance [to pursue God and to pray] is so great, we need disciplines. We need very concrete ways of living by which we can keep inner space open for God and grow into the new self. But as we struggle with the demons, we will discover that we are not struggling on our own but that it is the power of Christ himself who makes us victorious and it is that power that transforms us into new people. Indeed, God re-makes us.
“That is paradise: the new life in God.”
Throughout the centuries, Christ followers have used various methods to “grow into the new self.” And while, we do the hard work of striving to grow in Christ—a task that involves dying to self, putting off the old nature and living for Christ—it is really God who is remaking us. Since that is true, our goal is not to focus on our work, but on God’s willingness to enter into our lives. Nouwen writes (from his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son):
“The question is not, ‘How am I to find God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be found by him?’ The question is not, ‘How am I to love God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be loved by God?’ God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.”
But to let ourselves be found by God, we must put ourselves in a place where God can move in our hearts; and to do that, we must establish “concrete ways of living” that enable us to open our hearts to God’s transforming grace. These concrete ways we call, the spiritual disciplines. And while different lists exist, many spiritual directors see two types of practices: disciplines of abstinence and disciplines of engagement.
Disciplines of Abstinence:
- Solitude: Spending time alone to be with God and his Word.
- Silence: Sitting in silence so that we can hear God’s voice.
- Fasting: Abstaining from something (often food) to focus our attention on God.
- Frugality: Avoiding consumerism so that we can divert resources to meet the needs of others.
- Chastity: Embracing a life of purity and self-control.
- Secrecy: Being clothed in humility and seeking to avoid honor and praise.
- Sacrifice: Dying to our own agendas so that we can serve God and others.
Disciplines of Engagement:
- Study: Investing ourselves in the study of God’s Word and other Christian practices.
- Worship: Giving ourselves over to the adoration of God through prayer, singing, reciting the creeds and other acts of worship.
- Celebration: Praising God, rejoicing in his goodness and giving thanks for all his good gifts.
- Service: Using our gifts to serve others in Jesus’ name.
- Prayer: Delighting in God and pursuing a relationship with him by praying.
- Fellowship: Spurring those in the church to grow in Christ, to love others and to do good deeds.
- Confession: Confessing our sins and claiming God’s forgiveness in Christ.
- Submission: Surrendering ourselves to God’s will.
As we practice these disciplines, we step out in faith and ask that God would meet us in that moment and transform us into the image of Jesus.
There are so many stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers that speak of their spiritual practices. Here are four.
“The disciples asked Abba Macarius: ‘How should we pray?’ The old man answered: ‘A long speech is not necessary, but instead stretch out your hand and say, “Lord, as you wish and as you know, have mercy.” Yet, if you sense a conflict is imminent, you have to say, “Lord, help!” He knows what is good for us and treats us mercifully.’” [Nomura, page 106 – the spiritual discipline of prayer]
“Abba Poemen said: ‘There is one sort of person who seems to be silent, but inwardly criticizes other people. Such a person is really talking all the time. Another may talk from morning to night, but says only that which is meaningful, and so keeps silence.” [Nomura, page 83 – the spiritual discipline of silence]
“Amma Theodora said: ‘A teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire of domination, vain glory, and pride; one should not be able to fool him by flattery, nor blind him by gifts, nor conquer him by the stomach, nor dominate him by anger; but he should be patient, gentle, humble as far as possible; he must be tested and without partisanship, full of concern, and a lover of souls.” [Ward, pages 83-84 – the spiritual discipline of submission]
“There were two old men who had lived together in the same hut for many years, and they never argued. Now, one of them said: ‘Let’s try to quarrel once just like other people do.’ And the other said, ‘But I don’t know how to quarrel.’ Then the first said, ‘Look, I will put a brick between us, and I will say, “This is my brick!” And you will say, “No! It’s mine!” And then we will quarrel about who owns the brick.’ So, he put a brick in front of them and said, ‘This is mine!’ And the other replied, ‘No! It is mine!’ And the first one replied: ‘I was wrong. I am so sorry. The brick is yours. Please take it!’ And the two men went away unable to fight with each other.” [Nomura, page 69 – the spiritual discipline of sacrifice]
Three Questions to Ponder
- Which are you better at, the disciplines of abstinence or the disciplines of engagement? Having chosen one of the two, pick three from the other category and find some time to put them into practice.
- What do you think of Macarius’ answer to the question, “How should we pray?” What insights do you find there that might be helpful? With what do you disagree? What would you want to add?
- Of all the stories of the desert fathers that we shared in this series, which story struck you the most? Why? What did that story teach you?
This concludes our series on the Desert Fathers. I hope it has been engaging, insightful and helpful. As is our custom, our blog will take a brief hiatus until early September. In the meantime, find a great book to read and have a great summer.
References:
- Desert Wisdom, Yushi Nomura, Orbis Books, 1982 (Henri Nouwen wrote the epilogue)
- The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: An Alphabetical Collection, Benedicta Ward, Cistercian Publications, 1975
