Personal_Devotion

Extended Response “Devotion makes present the sacred dimension within ordinary life. It is an outward expression of internal faith.” With reference to the statement above, outline the influence of Christian personal devotion on the life of the adherent. (20 marks) In accordance to the Living Religion, Third Edition, a personal devotion refers to the various types of religious observations, whether it is public or private. They are usually characterized by a strong attachment or affection towards a set of beliefs or principles. It is thought to house devotion, true faith and spirituality. The sacred dimension in the individual’s ordinary lives is highlighted by participating in various devotions. It allows their spiritual side to connect with their faiths and more importantly, God. There are two different overlapped approaches to prayer and devotional practices. This includes: private and communal prayer/worship. Private prayer or worship refers to adoration and reverence directed only towards God. This is also known as inward expression, which is privately acknowledging the believer’s faith. By inwardly conveying their faith, it provides a one-on-one connection with God and allows Him to become aware that they are willing to serve Him. One example of this put into action is going away on retreat, which is made for those who wish to settle their faith and answer any confusing thoughts they may possess. This allocates times away from their usually busy environment and enables the being to speak with God alone without the fear of interruption. It also gives room to expression adoration and reverence directed only towards God. Another example of this is private prayer. By praying privately, silently, or in solitude at various times, it brings believers into contact with the mysteries of faith and provides a tangible way in which these mysteries can be brought to life, giving an individual and communal meaning. It is this type of expression which is considered important when experiencing life with living God alone. The second type of devotion is communal prayer or worship, sometimes known as outward devotion. This refers to openly acknowledging your faith to the wider community and publically announcing your faith. Being public worship to God, it is commonly done with a group of people who share the same set of beliefs and principles. By doing so, there is not only an interaction with God, but with the group in which you share this with, infusing the life of the Christians involved. One of the most common examples of outward devotion is liturgies. Liturgies are the official public worship of the Church. Done as a community, it open expresses faith together as one, acknowledging God as a communal group. This entire practice consists of both inner and outward expressions of faith, which are all the beliefs put into action. It provides a reassurance of the Christian beliefs and enhances their views on their own religion. By practicing a personal devotion, such as praying the Rosary, it plays a significant role in the Christian’s life and to those around them. First, it strengthens their spiritual connection with God, enabling them to interact in a more Christ-like way with others in the world. By doing so, they are able to help make a difference and put the beliefs and teachings of Jesus Christ into action. This is clearly evident in the Rosary, as by praying with each bead the believer recites the mysteries of faith, ultimately strengthening their core beliefs. Another significant part personal devotion plays is that it gives them a sense of direction when they are feeling lost, alone, or are free from hope or happiness. When this is felt, Christians are encouraged to take the time to pray one of the Mysteries of the Rosary. This enables them to calm down, reflect and pray about the event in their life and converse with God. By having this, it gives them something to turn to when certain aspects of their life aren’t going to plan and provides a means to access a peace of mind. The third Is that is makes available a way where an individual and communal meaning can be seen. By declaiming the Rosary, it provides a tangible way in which these mysteries can be brought to life and brings them into contact with the events of Jesus’ life and his prime teachings. As displayed with the points above, the practice of personal devotion is clearly needed in a believer’s life. It bestows the individual with a spiritual essence in their ordinary, day-to-day life and a means of escape to connect, or re-connect with Jesus Christ. By doing so, not only will their life be altered religiously, but the others they associate themselves with, creating a bigger and wider community devoted to God.