Skip to main content

Embracing New Rhythms: Cultivating Habits of Worship in the New Year at SPB

Embracing New Rhythms: Cultivating Habits of Worship in the New Year

Embracing New Rhythms: Cultivating Habits of Worship in the New Year

As the new year unfolds, it presents a time of reflection and anticipation. The community at St. Paul's & St. Barnabas is encouraged to create new habits and rhythms of worship, aligning their lives more closely with God's word. C.S. Lewis aptly reminds everyone, "Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." This resonates deeply as the congregation embarks on a journey of faith anew in this new year.

To support this journey, here are several resources to foster a regular rhythm of scripture engagement and worship:

Crossway ESV Podcasts

Crossway ESV Podcasts offer an accessible way for anyone to engage with the Bible. Whether commuting, exercising, or relaxing, these podcasts provide a convenient means to listen to God's word.

The Bible Project Reading Plans

The Bible Project's Reading Plans are excellent for those who appreciate a visual approach. The plans are accompanied by insightful videos that make the scriptures more engaging.

Bible Gateway Reading Plans

Bible Gateway's Reading Plans offer a variety of thematic and structured approaches to Bible reading, catering to different preferences.

Ligonier Ministries Bible Reading Plans

Ligonier Ministries' Bible Reading Plans provide options ranging from a few weeks to an entire year, suitable for both new and seasoned readers of the Bible.

YouVersion Bible Reading Plans

YouVersion's Bible Reading Plans offer a digital approach, ideal for those who prefer to engage with the scriptures via an app.

Vanderbilt Divinity Library Revised Common Lectionary

Vanderbilt Divinity Library's Revised Common Lectionary provides a structured way to read through the Bible, following the liturgical calendar.

Alpha Bible

Alpha Bible is a great resource, especially for those new to the Bible or looking to revisit the fundamentals of Christian faith.

It can be a challenge to find time and sapce for Bible reading amidst life's busyness. Yet, immersing in the scriptures is beneficial for spiritual and mental well-being, reminding of God's love through Christ and the meaning of living for Him. The church emphasizes that making time for what is valued is crucial, especially for discipleship, worship, and church life. Prioritizing time for God's word is essential, and the church is committed to creating more space for these practices in the year ahead.

A healthy church thrives when both individuals and the community are deeply engaged with the Word of God. The Cranmer rhythms of the prayer book and the lectionary cycle play a vital role in guiding the collective journey in faith and worship.

In conclusion, as John Piper astutely observed, "If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great." The church encourages everyone to make ample room for the great – the essential reality of the scriptures in life with Jesus.

Let us in the joy of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit commit to reading the Bible individually, join the midweek Bible study, and seek to grow in God through prayer. Embracing these new rhythms of worship together will nourish souls and strengthen the community in Christ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPB Sermons || Sent Like the Son || JOhn 20:19-23

Sent Like the Son – Family Worship at SPB Belfast (Sunday 27th April 2025) On the evening of Easter Sunday, as fear gripped the disciples behind locked doors, Jesus appeared among them and spoke the words they most needed to hear: "Peace be with you." At St Paul’s & St Barnabas this Sunday, we reflected on John 20:19-31 and the incredible transformation that the resurrection brings — not just to history, but to our hearts and lives today. We joined the disciples in their fear and doubt, seeing how even the testimony of Mary Magdalene couldn’t unlock their fear. Yet no locked door could keep out the risen Christ. Jesus appeared, scars and all, speaking peace into their brokenness. His scars weren't signs of defeat, but emblems of the victory won at the Cross — a reminder that by His wounds, we are healed. Jesus did not come to rebuke His followers, but to comfort them with His presence, speak peace into their hearts, and to co...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...
Post a Comment
Read more

SPB Sermons || The King Has Come || Palm Sunday || Luke 19:28-40

The King Has Come – Palm Sunday at SPB The King Has Come – Palm Sunday at SPB On Palm Sunday, we stepped into Luke 19:28–40 and into the streets of a city full of noise, tension, and expectation. It was Jerusalem then — it is Belfast now. In his sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin reminded us that the King we proclaim is not the kind we expect. He doesn’t ride in with fanfare or force but with humility, peace, and purpose. The city of Jerusalem was packed to the brim. The great Passover celebration was at hand, and the people of God were remembering a story of freedom and rescue while still living under Roman occupation. The air was thick with anticipation. Into that atmosphere, Jesus rides — on a donkey. Not a war horse. Not with soldiers. But with disciples and borrowed cloaks. As the crowd shouts praise and throws their coats on the road, we’re reminded that they had the right words — “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” —...
Post a Comment
Read more