D. DEEPER: Exploring the Spiritual Life of the Writer Sat-Tue 9:00-10:30 AM & Sat, Mon 11:00-12:00 AM Location: Fireside (Beside Hospitality) Instructor: Steve Laube, Agent Session One (Saturday)
Lectio Divina for the Writer The idea of "divine reading" or, in the Latin, "lectio divina" has been around for centuries. It is an intentional structure for one's devotional time. Since ours is a group of writers and editors we have the freedom to adapt the traditional format to one specific to our profession.
Silencio (silence)
Lectio (reading)
Meditatio (meditation)
Scriptio (writing)
Oratio (prayer)
Incarnatio (incarnation)
Session Two (Saturday)
The Foundation of Spirituality What is the foundation for a deeper life spirituality? How have we let it slip from our grasp or our understanding?
Lectio exercise for Saturday (material to be provided in class) Bible reading: Selections for meditation: Writing suggestions
Session Three (Sunday)
The Spirituality of Waiting So much of writing is born out of pain and suffering. The writing profession is measured by disappointments and extended periods of no activity. Therefore we must explore the spiritual aspect of waiting.
Lectio exercise for Sunday (material to be provided in class) Bible reading: Selections for meditation: Writing suggestions
Session Four (Monday)
The Spirituality of the Written Word What is the power of the book? Why do words have so much power and from where is that power derived? What are some of the issues and benefits in developing a lifetime of reading?
Session Five (Monday)
The Spirituality of Marketing Christ-followers are called to walk humbly and not seek their own self-interest. Then how does a writer, in today's competitive market, effectively market and promote their work and still maintain their integrity?
Lectio exercise for Monday (material to be provided in class) Bible reading: Selections for meditation: Writing suggestions
Session Six (Tuesday)
The Spirituality of the Inner Life What are the things that can develop a strong inner life for the believer? How do we live the "resurrected life"? Where do we go from here?
Lectio exercise for Tuesday (material to be provided in class) Bible reading: Selections for meditation: Writing suggestions
A Spiritual Formation "Book of the Month Club" Choose one title each month or so for the next three to five years. (For Initial Exploration - pick six titles with asterisk*)
January *Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Haley Barton Into the Depths of God - Calvin Miller Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies - Marilyn Chandler McEntyre
February Life Together - Dietrich Bonheoffer The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers Devotions - Arthur Bennett, ed. Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster
March *Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence Way of the Heart - Henri Nouwen Soul Feast - Marjorie Thompson
April *Deepening Your Conversation with God - Ben Patterson Take and Read - Eugene Peterson Longing for Enough in a Culture of More - Paul Escamilla
May
Selected books for every day or special occasions:
*Soul at Rest - Tricia McCary Rhodes Deep-Rooted in Christ - Joshua Choonmin Kang Long Obedience in the Same Direction - Eugene Peterson
Disciplines for the Inner Life Bob Benson and Michael Benson
June
A Guide to Prayer for All God's People Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck
*Intimacy with the Almighty - Charles Swindoll Invitation to Silence and Solitude - Ruth Haley Barton Prayer - Jean Danie'lou
July
My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers
*Living the Cross Centered Life - C.J. Mahaney Waiting on God - Andrew Murray (look for an edition with updated language) A Hunger for the Holy - Calvin Miller
Streams in the Desert Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
August *Ordering Your Private World - Gordon MacDonald Everything Belongs - Richard Rohr The Hidden Life of Prayer - David M'Intyre
Reliving the Passion Walter Wangerin
September
Preparing for Jesus [for Advent reading] Walter Wangerin
*Making All Things New - Henri Nouwen The Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life - Donald Whitney Making Sense Out of Suffering - Peter Kreeft
October The Green Letters - Miles Stanford Knowledge of the Holy - A.W. Tozer Loving God - Charles Colson
November Disappointment with God - Phillip Yancey Humility -C.J. Mahaney Pursuit of Holiness - Jerry Bridges
December Sacred Chaos - Tricia McCary Rhodes Teaching a Stone to Talk - Annie Dillard In the Name of Jesus - Henri Nouwen
[for Lenten reading]