What’s the best spiritual exercise you can start in 2001?

PASTOR KAREN WILSON

Mariners Church Lighthouse Ministries

The best exercise I know for the soul is reading a Psalm and a Proverb every day. Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month, and over the years I have gained more insight and wisdom from those chapters than from anywhere else. And reading the Psalms is like giving a massage to the soul.

DR. GURBIR SINGH

Religious scholar,

Sikh Temple of Orange County

Here is the best spiritual exercise from Sikh tradition. Guru Nanak, while having conversations with Sidhas, says: “Walking in harmony with the will of God and enshrining always one Lord [truth] in mind is the best yoga. One who eradicates self-conceit becomes free of desire and considers pain and pleasure alike. Such a person performs one’s duties truthfully, and never fails.”

THE REV. DIANE JARDINE BRUCE

St. Clement’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church,

San Clemente

The best spiritual exercise one could start in the New Year is daily prayer. Daily prayer can be done from a prayer book (such as the “daily office” in the Episcopal Church) or spontaneously. Spending a few moments two or three times a day in prayer is a great way to refresh the body, mind and soul. It also begins the habit of having regular conversations with God.

THE REV. PETER D. HAYNES

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Parish Church, Corona del Mar

Here’s a six-step exercise that I believe holds the secret of life (of the free movement of the heart and mind and the ability to act with intelligence and compassion) for a person/individual and a people/nation: 1) I admit I am powerless and that my life is unmanageable. 2) I believe that a power greater than myself can bring me to my senses and home to my best self. 3) I choose to turn my will and my life over to the care of God. 4) I make a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself. 5) I admit to God, to myself and to you that I have severely erred. 6) I am ready to surrender myself to the healing forgiveness of God and of others. I’m--still--trying!

PASTOR DOUG WEBSTER

Mountain View Church, Mission Viejo

As an avid workout person who actually enjoys lifting weights (although my physical appearance questions my credibility), I’ve learned the key to health is consistent, repetitive action of worthwhile tasks. Learn what works well and do it repeatedly. By far the best spiritual growth exercise is to be in God’s word on a daily basis. Be it “The One Year Bible” as a guide or personally customizing your own program (such as reading one of the 31 chapters from the Book of Proverbs for every calendar day or studying 52 characters in the Bible one week at a time), consistency makes the difference in long-term health, both physical and spiritual. Keep it going by having a spiritual workout partner who holds you accountable.

RABBI STEPHEN J. EINSTEIN

Congregation B’nai Tzedek, Fountain Valley

Each of us is blessed in ways too numerous to count. How ought we respond to God? By offering our thanks in word and deed. We can say a simple prayer of gratitude from our heart, and then show we really mean it by doing something good for others. Thus we become God’s partners in creation.

PASTOR BILL GARTNER

Harbor Christian Fellowship, Costa Mesa

I don’t know if this is the best spiritual exercise, but I believe it to be necessary for me: life examination. I begin by asking God this simple question, “What is your will?” As God gives an answer, I then ask him, “What is your will for me?” and “Am I where you want me to be?” Whatever the answer, there is usually some adjustment required from my life; sometimes an uncomfortable adjustment, but always necessary for my spiritual growth. Maybe that’s why it’s called discipline.

EVANGELIST GRAYLON A. FREEMAN

Church of Christ, Cypress

Starting is one thing, finishing is altogether a different matter. People may realize spiritual deficiencies in their lives and resolve to begin a spiritual exercise program that will strengthen them. The best exercise for those not wholly familiar with the Scripture would be very similar to any weight-loss program. Research and consult with someone you trust and have confidence in concerning their knowledge of God’s word. Like we read in Acts (8:26-38): A eunuch from Ethiopia was returning home from Jerusalem reading the Scripture. He did not understand what he was reading so he asked for assistance. A preacher named Philip guided him through the pages of inspiration and as a result the eunuch was baptized and added to Christ.

ANDY COLLINS

Yorba Linda Friends Church

Working on those knee-bends and having a consistent prayer time with our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Spending time on your knees in prayer and time in his word will give you an amazing amount of energy for your day.

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