This Sunday we will touch on one of my favorite verses in Romans 8:1; "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Another of those verses that I consistently go back to is Hebrews 10:24-25; "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Scripture readily acknowledges that life is difficult and we need encouragement if we are to walk faithfully. This is partially why you read of the early church gathering day by day (Acts 2:46). The Sunday gathering was primary, but Christians still gathered throughout the week for Scripture reading, prayer, and encouragement. All this to say that I think it would be helpful for us if we had a greater appreciation of communal spiritual rhythms and disciplines. I hear many people say they find it difficult to engage in daily or even regular Bible reading and prayer. I think one reason for this is that we do these things almost exclusively in isolation, then wonder why we struggle. I think we struggle because we need interpersonal encouragement, and we ought to enlarge our appreciation for the value of doing spiritual disciplines/rhythms communally. Of course, there is a place for private and personal worship - Jesus does call us to utilize our "prayer closet." That private devotion can't be replaced. At the same time, I think we all would be helped if our spiritual disciplines were buoyed by encouragement and participation with other Christians. By the way, this is one reason we are going to be talking a lot about discipleship. Discipling relationships can be more personal, and more personally and pointedly encourage rhythms of prayer and meditation on Scripture. So, if you find that you struggle with these things, it may be very helpful to consider who is encouraging you, and who you might join with as you pray and read and sing to the Lord.