The Place of Reflection in Soul Care

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Reflection is an important practice in the life of a small group.

by Diana Bennett | posted 5/25/2007

Topics:	Bible study, Community, Connecting, Meditation, Prayer, Sharing
Filters:	Coach, Connect, Facilitator, Leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Psalm 46:10
Date Added:	May 25, 2007

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Whenever I guide a group through the spiritual disciplines, I ask the question, "What comes to mind when you hear the words spiritual disciplines?" Often, the response is "fasting" or "working harder" as they study the Bible!

While these two topics certainly are part of the picture, there are numerous options for understanding and experiencing spiritual disciplines that become the root of our spiritual formation. Without paying attention to and implementing a wide range of these valuable and necessary practices, we cannot develop an intimate relationship with Christ, mature in our spiritual journey, or be the witness for Christ to which we have been called.

The on-going practice of reflective story telling, reflective Bible reading and listening, reflective journaling, and reflective prayer, to name a few, can become significant experiences within a small-group setting.

Reflective storytelling

The practice of reflective storytelling allows each person to not only tell their own story, but also to hear from the other group members about their journey into faith and the unique manner in which the Holy Spirit's presence has guided them into God's family. Sharing stories is a powerful way to contribute to the on-going spiritual growth shared between group members throughout the duration of their small-group experience.

Group leaders can spur creativity in this practice by providing paper and colored pens, then asking each person to share their story by illustrating five or six spiritual highs or lows in their life. This practice can lead to an amazing bond of self-disclosure and trust within a group. It is informative and sometimes emotional, and should be considered when small groups that have recently been launched begin the "knowing one another" process.

Reflective Bible reading and listening

Reflective Bible reading and listening are strategic elements of spiritual discipline. Many small groups excel at studying the Bible with integrity, discovering the many important details through inductive process, and accumulating an impressive amount of knowledge. However, until that knowledge moves the 12 inches or so from the head to the heart (the stage where we actually reflect on the importance of what we've learned and implement that knowledge into our lives), the knowledge is powerless.

I like the expression "blending our belief and our behavior." Reflective reading and listening require slowing down—a time of silence, solitude, and focus on smaller portions of Scripture. How can this discipline be implemented into the life of a small group? How do we hear and recognize the voice of God?

I often use the illustration of teaching a young person about different instruments. If the flute is the focus of study, how does one recognize its sound in the cacophony of an orchestra? Hearing the flute play in isolation first helps to distinguish the flute when it is played in a group. The same is true of the voice of God. We learn what his voice sounds like by listening to his Word, other people, nature, history, and stories of people's lives that speak God's truth. But it takes practice!

The practice of lectio divina, or sacred reading, can easily be implemented within the small-group setting. First, pick a short passage of Scripture. Read it aloud twice and have small-group members quietly reflect on the words. Ask, "What comes to mind?" Have group members express their reflection in one word with no explanations.

Next, have someone different read the passage once again. Ask, "What new thoughts come to you?" Have each person explain their reactions on a deeper level than their first attempt.

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