Formations
Jesus invites us to come to him, put on his easy yoke, and learn to walk in his ways. But how? In the midst of a noisy, distracted, and hurried world, it is harder than ever to slow down and focus on the loving, peaceful, and restful life that we find in Jesus. That is why Formations at Missio Dei Wriglevyille exists. Formations consists of cohorts, workshops, and practices that deepen our formation in the way of Jesus. Upcoming Formations along with resources from previous Formations can be viewed below.
If you want to learn more, click the button below to email our associate pastor, Sam Tinken.
Our recommended reading for the practice of Solitude is Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton.
For podcasts, we recommend the Rule of Life podcast series on Solitude.
Sabbath Resources
BOOKS
- “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Jewish scholar and theologian who has a poetic, meditative, deeply OT-formed passion for the Sabbath.
- “Sabbath as Resistance” by Walter Brueggemann, which takes an important broader social statement of the importance of being people of Sabbath rhythms (beyond the individual lens).
- For some recent books that address formation through Sabbath and beyond, we can recommend “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” or “The Deeply Formed Life”, both written by pastors guiding similar conversations in their own contexts.
- “Keeping the Sabbath Wholly” by Marva Dawn
- “Subversive Sabbath” by AJ Swodoba
- Stop: The Rhythm of Creation from Rule of Life
- Sabbath from Pattern Podcast
- Sabbath Sermon from Missio Dei Wrigleyville
Prayer Resources
BOOKS
- Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
- Opening to God: Lectio Divine and Life as Prayer by David Benner
- Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton
PODCASTS and APPS
- A New Liturgy – Thematic guided prayers with music
- Pray as You Go – daily guided prayer
- Lectio 365 – daily guided Lectio Divina prayer
- Rule of Life podcast episodes on PrayerAnd for families, here is a one page guide with 5 ideas for praying with children!
- The Bible Project — free videos online to help explain books or themes in the Bible.
- Bible Recap — reading plan and tool to help explain the Bible in accessible ways (available as a book or podcast).
- YouVersion Bible App — free app with many Bible versions (also audio option) and reading plans.
- “The Bible Unwrapped” — a good starting place if you struggle to even know how to engage with scripture or understand what the Bible is.
- Study Bibles (ex: Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible or Faithlife Study Bible) — give commentary and background information alongside scripture to help teach as you read.
- Streetlights Bible App — the Bible in spoken word, very upbeat and engaging to listen to.
Our recommended reading for the practice of Fasting is Fasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnight.