PraXis Challenge, Week 1: Creation

Week 1 [Zoom links to this week’s session are at the bottom of the post]

Welcome to the start of our 8-week, wellness challenge.

DOWNLOAD THE 2022 VERSION OF THE CHALLENGE HERE

Theme: (New) Creation

You are a new creation in Christ [2 Corin. 5:17]. For it is in God’s image that you were made, and it is God’s likeness that we aspire (John of Damascus). It is impossible to be perfect, but it is to the Christ-like that we reach. For those who were baptized into Christ, put on Christ [Gal. 3:27]. 

As we begin this challenge, how do you, today, this week, and in this season of your life see yourself as a new creation. What parts of you do you wish to make new through the grace of God and participation in Christ? 

Breathe deep the good of the Earth and this gift of life — the Spirit in your lungs. Look around you at what is good and God-like in this creation. Give thanks to the Lord, and let us begin.

Need More Info:
Video orientation on the Details of the Challenge
Video introduction to the Challenge

The Session

Intro, reflect on the theme, offer a prayer or intention. – 5 minutes

Anyone who wishes to read may raise their hand.

Psalm 33:6-22

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle;
    he put the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Stand, come to you mat or prayer rug

Lectio Divina- read four times.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Somatic Prayer (Sanctified Yoga)- 20 minutes 

Flow
3 Breathes into the heart, palms together at chest
4 Sun Salutations
Mountain Pose, Hands to Heart- 3 breaths
3 Chair pose – 4 static breaths

Forward fold
Raise up to flat back
Plank
Up Dog
Down Dog
Left foot lunge into Warrior I

3 Warrior I, 4 static breaths
Plank
Up Dog
Down Dog
Right foot lunge into Warrior I
3 Warrior I, 4 static breaths

Plank
Up Dog
Down Dog
Step forward into Mountain, 4 static breaths, hands at heart

Step back into Down Dog
Plank
3 Locust
3 Cobra, 4 static breaths

Turn over, turn to right side, sit up
3 Seated Twist, 4 static breaths
Sit back, extend onto the matt

3 Boat pose
3 Bridge, 4 static, breaths
Repose or relaxation pose, 12 or more breaths

Come to seated position

Noetic Prayer (Centering prayer, mindfulness, etc) – 20 Minutes

Bell rings– you have one more minute to center yourself

Eyes open. A few moments of silence together. If you are called by the Spirit you may.

Thanksgiving

Psalm 145:10-21

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your faithful shall bless you.
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
    and tell of your power,
12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words,
    and gracious in all his deeds.
14 The Lord upholds all who are falling,
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand,
    satisfying the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is just in all his ways,
    and kind in all his doings.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
    he also hears their cry, and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Depart and Retire to the table – 30 minutes

Diet Challenge Week 1–  go one day or more this week with only plant-based meals. This means, no meat (fish is ok if you must), no dairy (eggs if you must), low carbs, sugar, no soy products or heavily processed foods.

Here are some ideas or come up with your own.

Links to the sessions

Tuesday, 6:30 pm, EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3130965380
Meeting ID: 313 096 5380

Wednesday, 6:30 pm, ESTJoin Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81453475523
Meeting ID: 814 5347 5523

Thursday 10 am, EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84163137582
Meeting ID: 841 6313 7582