In 2008, Brian McLaren authored a book titled “Finding Our Way Again.” The book outlines seven ancient practices shared by the Abrahamic faiths (Jews, Christians, and Muslims). The practices include fixed hour prayer, sabbath, sacred meal, observing sacred seasons, fasting, pilgrimage, and giving/tithing. Each faith has its own expression of these disciplines. For example, Christians favor Sunday for sabbath, whereas Jews observe it on Saturday and Muslims on Friday.

The book is the beginning of “The Ancient Practices Series,” which examines each discipline more closely. For me, it was also the beginning of following these disciplines with greater intentionality. I see them as core practices of a rule of life that grounds me in my faith even when life is crazy.

In more recent years, I have read other books that affirm these practices and enhance my experience of them. I expect to find more ways to share these spiritual disciplines in the near future and hope we can practice them together. Recognizing that we share them with other faiths may also help us to better understand and converse with those from other faith traditions.

Blessings,
Fr. Paul