This article describes one of many techniques developed by Adventures in Spiritual Living to encourage and support personal spiritual experience. It can be used by individuals or enjoyed as a group activity and sharing.
This technique is based on the invitation I made to my inner spirit. Gather pen, paper or journal, and this article. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for a while. Take a moment to relax and shift into a meditative state of mind.
When you are ready, read one commitment and meditate on it. Does the thought resonate with you? Do you desire to make such a commitment? What would be your own expression to your inner spirit? If you want to keep a record of your reaction, write down your thoughts and feelings. Take all the time you want.
You may choose to select one to meditate on…or more. Feel free to use this material in whatever way you find useful.
The Invitation
I am completely open to the spirit of God within me. I invite my divine spirit to explore my whole being, my total self. (pause and reflect)
I invite my inner spirit to share all my thoughts, feelings, and motives forever. All within me that has been, is now, or ever will be, is available to my beloved inner spirit. I am completely and willingly transparent. (pause and reflect)
Within my soul, I want there to be the spirit luminosity of God, glowing with a penetrating light. (pause and reflect)
I invite that divine light within me to expand and encompass me. Larger and stronger it grows, unfolding within me, filling my soul and my body with loving energy. It reaches into every part of me, filling me with the light of my beloved inner spirit. (pause and reflect)
I invite my inner spirit to manifest great spiritual energy in me. Divine energy to care for others without expectation, to forgive without resentment, to love without requirements, to give without limitation. (pause and reflect)
I invite my beloved to put on my personality like a cloak. To see through my eyes. To hear with my ears. To breathe with my lungs. To serve with my mind and body and will. To endow my perception with its perception. (pause and reflect)
I invite my inner spirit to bestow spiritual power through me. To be a source of spiritual energy for others, generating the attraction of good which overcomes evil, love which vanquishes hate, faith in truth which destroys fear. (pause and reflect)
In all these ways, I invite my beloved to share my life with me. I am joyfully becoming my beloved inner spirit. We are becoming one. (pause and reflect)
Group Experience
If you are fortunate enough to have a group who will share their experiences with each other, discuss beforehand the need to create a safe place of friendship for each person to share his or her inner thoughts and feelings without criticism or advice. Here are some suggestions to create a safe place:
- Slow down and relax your bodies and minds.
- Express genuine interest in others.
- Accept their sharing with appreciation.
Invitation to My Divine Inner Spirit can be used as a group worship. A leader reads the piece, pausing between statements to allow for reflection on each one. A time for sharing at the end usually is beneficial.
