Theologians, philosophers, and pastors examine the effects that habitual practices have on our lives and discuss the importance of prayer and spiritual practices as habits that orient us towards God. Various spiritual practices are explained, taught, and offered as potential ways to engage adolescents in experiential prayer.
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Introduction
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Section 1: Why Engage in Spiritual Practice with Youth?
- Prepare – 1 Timothy 4:7-10
- The Importance of Christian Practices, David White – Video and Discussion Outline
- You Are What You Love, James K.A. Smith – Video and Discussion Outline
- Discipleship in Youth Ministry, James K.A. Smith – Video and Discussion Outline
- Communities of Faith & Trust, James K.A. Smith and Kyle David Bennett – Video and Discussion Outline
- Spiritual Practices in the Lives of Young People, Vanessa Zoltan and Stephanie Paulsell – Video and Discussion Outline
- Deafness in Our Culture, Mark Yaconelli – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resources
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Section 2: Incorporating Spiritual Practices into Youth Ministry
- Prepare – Luke 10:38-42
- Orienting Youth Ministry Around Christian Practices, Almeda Wright – Video and Discussion Outline
- A Rule of Life for Youth Ministry, Michael Bird – Video and Discussion Outline
- The Challenge of Integrating Youth into the Life of the Church, Frederick Edie – Video and Discussion Outline
- Youth Ministry, Spiritual Practices, and Idolatry, James K.A. Smith and Kyle David Bennett – Video and Discussion Outline
- Spiritual Practices Outdoors, Ryan Gackenheimer and Andrew Wicks – Video and Discussion Outline
- Youth as Religious Interpreters, Mark Yaconelli – Video and Discussion Outline
- Conversations and Faith and Doubting, Amy Adamczyk – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resources
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Lesson 3: Practicing Prayer
- Prepare – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
- One Simple Thing, Andy Root – Video and Discussion Outline
- Prayer, Fasting, and Grace, Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne – Video and Discussion Outline
- Sharing the Language of Christianity, Andy Root – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resources
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Section 4: Practicing Creativity
- Prepare – Jeremiah 18:1-6
- Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, Vanessa Zoltan and Stephanie Paulsell – Video and Discussion Outline
- Employing Creativity in Spiritual Practice, Yolanda Smith – Video and Discussion Outline
- Creativity as a Spiritual Practice in Youth Ministry, Almeda Wright – Video and Discussion Outline
- Ancient Spiritual Practices and Creativity, Vanessa Zoltan and Stephanie Paulsell – Video and Discussion Outline
- Multiple Intelligences for a Richer, Fuller Faith, Thomas Troeger – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resources
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Section 5: Practicing Contemplation
- Prepare – Matthew 14:22-23
- Realization and Ritual, Evelyn Parker – Video and Discussion Outline
- Taize, Michael Bird – Video and Discussion Outline
- Silence and Joy, Christian Gonzalez – Video and Discussion Outline
- Practices of Love for Youth Workers, James K.A. Smith and Kyle David Bennett – Video and Discussion Outline
- Creating Experiences of Holiness, Mark Yaconelli – Video and Discussion Outline
- Journaling with Youth, Mark Yaconelli – Video and Discussion Outline
- Cultivating Contemplative Moments, Mark Yaconelli – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resources
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Section 6: Practicing Embodied Engagement
- Prepare – Luke 5:17-26
- Spiritual Practices for Honoring the Body, Yolanda Smith – Video and Discussion Outline
- Ways of Honoring the Body, Yolanda Smith – Video and Discussion Outline
- Diversity and Embodied Joy, Christopher Carter – Video and Discussion Outline
- Rethinking God’s Role in the World, Talitha Amadea Aho – Video and Discussion Outline
- Questions for Reflection
- Additional Resource
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Section 7: Spiritual Practices with Scripture and Sabbath-Keeping