• 1. Discussion Prompt: Spiritual Exercise 1

Holt lists four distinct spiritual “practices” on pp. 25-27: “Silence,” “Walk,” “Pray,” and “Write.” (Consider #4 and #5 two variations of the same thing, “Write.”)

1. Choose one of the four and practice it per the description and guidance provided by Holt.
2. Post a reflection of what you got out of this experience. Stay focused on the uniqueness, spiritual value, and biblical fidelity of the experience rather than on the deep, remedial, or personal work God may have done through the experience.
   • Do not address any personal information inappropriate for this forum (e.g., “This experience gave me victory over my bad habit of ____________.”). Remain vague on personal information.
   • Do quote any pertinent Scripture verses or other source material (e.g., course textbooks) that may deepen the content of your reflection. 
   • 2. Journal
   • Journaling is considered a spiritual discipline. Whether you journal currently or have done so in the past, journal practice is worth your effort. Each session you will create a journal entry, drawing upon your Holt reading and the weekly prayer exercise. . Here’s how it works:
     Part 1: Reflect on the Holt reading by answering the following questions:
     • What was the most profound idea (in terms of applying to your life) and why?
     • What bothered you most in this session’s reading and why?
     • Part 2: Practice praying by following the prayer exercise below. Answer the questions in the exercise in the form of a personal, for-your-eyes-only, journal entry. HOWEVER, you should submit for this assignment an abridgement of your full answer. Reflect on the value of the experience in the submitted entry and do not include any personal information that you do not want your instructor to read.Read Isaiah 43:1-5. Change the words ‘Jacob’ and ‘Israel’ to your own name. Try to imagine the Lord speaking these words directly to you. What meaning would they have for you in your present situation? Try to transpose the message from God to yourself today. What is the Lord talking about when He tells you, ‘Fear not’? What fears do you have? Water and fire were the two great dangers which aroused the fears of ancient people; what are the greatest dangers you face in your life? What is the Lord telling you to do in time of danger? Imagine Jesus saying to you now, ‘You are precious in my eyes, and I love you.’ ‘Fear not, I am with you.’ How do you see this to be true in your own situation today? (from Chester P. Michael and Marie C. Norrisey, Prayer and Temperament [Charlottesville, VA: The Open Door, Inc., 1991], 65.