Spiritual MOT 

 As we journey in pilgrimage through our MOT check each of the comments below - how do you mark yourself?

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24

Help us to help each other, Lord,
Each other’s cross to bear;
Let each his friendly aid afford,
And feel each others care.

Help us to build each other up,
To help each one improve;
Increase our faith, confirm our hope,
And perfect us in love.

Charles Wesley

The Methodist means of grace speak of outward signs of an inward grace.  How do we reveal the love of God to others?

Means of Grace - works of piety and works of mercy

Works of Piety (Spiritual Practices)

Individual Practices – reading, meditating and studying the scriptures, prayer, fasting, regularly attending worship, sharing our faith with others

Communal Practices – regularly share in the sacraments, Christian conferencing (accountability to one another), and Bible study

Works of Mercy - (Service)

Individual Practices - doing good works, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, and giving generously to the needs of others

Communal Practices – seeking justice, ending oppression and discrimination (for instance Wesley challenged Methodists to end slavery), and addressing the needs of the poor

Works of Piety - checking In

• How often do you read the bible? 
• Do you know where your bible is?
• Could you use bible notes to help your study?
• Are you part of a fellowship group?
• Do you pray for others regularly?
• Do you spent time thanking God?
• Are you regularly attending worship?
• Do you attend worship when you are not "doing?"
• Do you feel equipped in speaking about your faith?
• Do you regularly receive communion? Are you able to receive in a mid week service or attend another church to receive?
• Have you considered your giving at church - increasing this giving in the last year?

Works of Mercy - checking in

• How do you consider your response to justice?
• Do you support pastoral care in your church? praying for pastoral visitors
• When did you last support the local foodbank or work for people seeking asylum?
• When did you provide practical support - food to someone rough sleeping?
• When did you last consider supporting a Christian charity and Amnesty International in prayer and letter writing?
• How does your response to world issues mirror Jesus' manifesto of the be-attitudes?
• Do you give regularly to your church benevolent fund?
• Do you take seriously our desire to be part of a safe church?

None of the above is about punishing ourselves or being hard with ourselves but seeing how we might develop spiritual disciplines. If you would like to speak to a minister or lay worker please do so.