Partnership with the Spirit

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The presence of God is the sacred place where we experience transformation, the change and renewal of our hearts, minds, and spirits:

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil (or separation from God) is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18, NIV, emphasis added)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV, emphasis added)

These verses remind us that transformation is not only a promise, but we are already in the process of being transformed even as we live in the tension between the "now" and "not yet" of the Kingdom of God. An honest examination of our lives reveals places still needing transformation—remnants of the old. Transformation is the Spirit's work rather than something we achieve through our own efforts. We are powerless to bring about our own authentic transformation.

 

Yet we also know God desires a close and abiding relationship with us as evidenced by God's very presence with people throughout scripture. We also know thriving relationships require partnership. We partner with the Spirit in the presence of God by acknowledging the transforming work already accomplished within us, by consenting to God's transforming work within us, and by creating space for God in our lives. These three actions guide this session's practices.​​​

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Centering Practice + Song

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The first practice is a gratitude activity to center your heart in thankfulness and celebration of the work God has already accomplished in your life. During the song "Grace Came Running" (Common Hymnal), write down all the ways you can recall in which God has moved within you, transformed parts of you, or changed you in any way. When the song is over, review your list and offer up a simple prayer of gratitude to God.​