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spiritual practices when life is out of balance

Spiritual practices when life is out of balance – how might psychology informed research offer resources for preaching on spiritual practices of lament, rest and mindfulness? How might psychology insights and resources be woven with Christian scripture?

Lament – Psalm 69:1-3; 13-16; 33-36; John 11:17-22; 30-37.

Rest – Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message translation).

Christ-centred mindfulness – Psalm 62:1–3; 5–8; 11-12: Matthew 6:24-34. A thoughtful reminder to stop rushing and instead remember we’re a part of something bigger than our individual worries. This practice involves experiencing the world as being filled with signs of God, and slowing down long enough to see heaven in ordinary things.

These resources are drawn from Dr Lynne Taylor’s teaching with medical school students, my (Dr Steve Taylor’s) current research into the social impact of spiritual practices and our combined experience of the Psychology and Theology Cross-training through University of Birmingham.