A Message from Bishop Wollersheim

Faith Practices

The Faith Practices are to the soul as physical exercise is to the body. They are good for us. They refresh us. They make us more in tune with life; ours, the creation and God.

Theologically, the Faith Practices fit into the realm of sanctification. Lutherans get nervous, and rightfully so, when sanctification gets mixed up with justification. Justification is how we are saved; namely by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the process of the Holy Spirit working in our lives in such a way as to make us more like Jesus.

I have always liked the image of the potter and the clay. God is the potter. We are the clay. And the church serves as God’s potter’s wheel, ever turning while the hands of the potter molds and shapes us.

The church throughout the centuries has found certain faith practices to be especially encouraging of the activity of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the years the ELCA has lifted up seven faith practices but there are many more. The seven faith practices are listed on the right.

During this Lenten season and throughout the year let us reflect on and enter into to these Faith Practices which are God’s gifts to us to renew our souls.

In Christ,

Bishop Gary Wollersheim

Pray

Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Worship

Psalm 34:1-3 - I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Study Scripture

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Witness and Invite

Romans 10:14-15 - But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Give

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

Encourage

1 John 3:18 - Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

Serve

Mark 10:45 - For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.