Tikkun America RESTORE Magazine Tishrei | September 2023 | Page 14

smile , the “ Reality is what you run into when you ’ re wrong .” Thus , we need liturgy on a daily basis , like we need to brush our teeth on a daily basis . It will help us develop and maintain spiritual health and growth for our souls .
Doesn ’ t Liturgy Lead To Dead Externalism ?
His love for us , and mature in reciprocating love back to Him and loving people with His love . That is the meat and potatoes of describing why we should practice Spiritual Disciplines .

So Why Do We Need Liturgical Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline ?

As creatures of habit , we need a healthy routine and repetition for health . To use an analogy from everyday life , people usually have cleaner and healthier mouths and fresher breath when they brush their teeth 2 times per day for 2 minutes each time . This simple and daily routine helps to improve and maintain good dental hygiene . If someone doesn ’ t do it because they think it is not necessary to have such an ordinary routine , they may experience what Dallas Willard liked to say , while giving you a gentle and kind
While there is good reason to perceive the danger of mere externalism with liturgical prayer that misses the heart and relational nature of prayer , avoiding liturgical prayer is nevertheless an overreaction which can lead to an undisciplined prayer-life . This can have the fruit of spiritual disease and disorder creeping into our souls .
Therefore , when practicing Spiritinfused liturgical prayer , we need to learn to engage in it with an awareness of being before the joyful and loving face of God , and cultivate an attentiveness to the words on our lips and their implications for our lives in His Kingdom .
Yet while many may want this experience with God , they may not know where to start , yet in looking at a map , they are looking for direction . If you ' re looking for direction , you can wisely start here by saying or singing the Shema twice daily before His joyful Face .
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