RiverStone Rhythms - Practicing The Way

Episode 21: Practicing The Way

How do we grow as disciples of Jesus in the actual lives we are living—not the ones we wish we had? Many of us struggle with consistency in our faith, caught between nostalgia for a past closeness with God or waiting for a future where we assume we’ll finally be disciplined enough. But what if discipleship isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions, but about walking with Jesus today?

In this episode, we explore the challenge of modern discipleship and why intentional formation—not just good intentions—is essential for spiritual growth. Drawing from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we discuss the ancient wisdom of a Rule of Life: a pattern of rhythms and practices that create space for us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and live as He did.

We unpack why so many struggle with spiritual practices in a culture of busyness and distraction, and how the longing for an ideal life can keep us from encountering God in the ordinary moments of today. Through biblical reflections—like Elijah’s encounter with God in the whisper—we are reminded that transformation doesn’t happen in the next big thing, but in quiet faithfulness.

Rather than adding more to our already full lives, we consider how subtraction—removing distractions and unnecessary busyness—can create space for deeper formation. Practical spiritual practices like gratitude, Sabbath, silence, and solitude help reorient our lives toward the presence of God.

We close with the question that shapes true discipleship: Are we becoming more loving? And the challenge remains—where are we waiting to experience God instead of looking for Him where we already are?

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