Spiritual Practices

Service

Spiritual Practice: Throughout the day or week, look for ways to be of service to others—little things, not necessarily big things. Small acts of service go a long way. A kind word, a smile, listening intently, acknowledging someone for something they did, and praying for someone can all be considered acts of service.

Spiritual Practice: If you're depressed, perform of an act of service for someone else. It may help that person, but it'll probably help you more, because it will get your mind off yourself, at least for a while, and your depression will ease its grip on you.

Spiritual Practice: If someone seems beyond hope, if there seems to be nothing you can do to help someone, always remember that prayer is one of the highest forms of service and can be done without the other person even knowing about it. Pray for others' well-being, pray for their increased spiritual understanding, and pray for God's blessing on them. An effective prayer is simply, “Lord, bless that soul."

Spiritual Practice: As you serve others, also remember to serve yourself by replenishing yourself in Spirit through meditation and relaxation. It's in silence and meditation that you are most receptive to receiving God's blessings, which refresh and strengthen you to continue your acts of service. When you replenish yourself daily, you'll continually have something to give.