For many of us, the idea of routines and rituals gets a bad rap. We often equate them with vain repetitions that culminate in boredom and leave us unmoved and uninspired. But there are plenty of rituals and routines that allow for centering, continuity, and deep connection. There are things worth repeating because they give shape and meaning to our lives.
In a non-pejorative way, church is a collection of rituals: gathering, praying, praise, worship, fellowship, service, and the sharing of sacraments. Sounds predictable, huh?
These rituals, when the Spirit is present, reflect a connectedness and continuity that extends across cultures and contexts. And the presence of the Spirit also allows for spontaneity and creativity that keep our routines from becoming ruts.
I know for many of us who lead congregations, relinquishing control and accepting unpredictability can be discomforting and downright anxiety inducing. But part of our work, in collaboration with the Spirit, is to curate experiences that inspire transformation and cultivate creativity while also offering comfort to those needing respite from the constant swirl of responsibilities that define their everyday routines.
So, this doesn’t mean we abandon order or throw out our programs. But we must yield to the ritual of welcoming the Spirit. Yes, we can make our plans and script our services, but we must surrender even these to the Spirit.
We need to embrace the ritual of welcoming the Spirit and trust the edits and unpredictability that faithfulness requires. We may just discover that what God plans is often better than anything we could’ve imagined or orchestrated on our own!
Welcome, Holy Spirit!
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8
Reflection Questions:
- Where might your routines be asking for more surrender, more openness, and more room for the Spirit to move?
- Where have you mistaken predictability for faithfulness, and what might the Spirit be inviting you to notice beyond your plans?
- How can you make space in your worship, leadership, or daily rhythm for holy interruption without losing the gifts of order and continuity?
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