Christians typically attend weekly worship services on Saturdays or Sundays. For groups including Anglicans, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, worship centers around Holy Communion. Through this ritual, Christians remember the Last Supper and Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. In other denominations, such as Baptists and Quakers, community worship is less structured and centers on Bible readings, sermons, and music.
While nearly all Christians celebrate these core sacraments, some traditions recognize several additional rites of passage. Catholicism, for instance, recognizes the additional sacraments of Confession (also called Penance or Reconciliation), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. [5] X Research source While you receive some sacraments, such as Baptism and Confirmation, only once, others are celebrated regularly. For instance, after your First Communion, you receive Holy Communion every time you go to church.
You can also ask your priest or minister questions about your faith. For instance, if you want to know more about a passage in the Gospel or sermon, ask about it after the service. If you find teachings on Holy Communion confusing, ask about your tradition’s beliefs and why different denominations hold unique views.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls for Christians to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.
Christian schools, youth groups, and other organizations also host retreats. Ask your priest or minister or another leader at your church about upcoming retreats and how to participate.
To get into a prayerful state of mind, it’s helpful to read a Bible passage or recite prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer or Hail Mary. Then, talk to God using your own words, like this: “Lord, I’m at a crossroad and need help making a decision. Please give me guidance and grant me the strength to follow your plan. ”
If your church offers a Bible study group, sign up for it to read and discuss passages with your community and faith leaders.
For instance, if you were mean to someone last week, offering them a sincere apology could be your goal for the upcoming week. Examining your conscience on a regular basis and setting spiritual goals can help you live according to Christ’s teachings. It’s a bit like developing other healthy habits, like physical exercise. If you exercise every day, it becomes part of your routine and you get in better shape over time.
When you feel like your faith is being challenged, the beauty of art and nature can help remind you that God has created an incredible world and has a plan for you.
Try asking yourself, “What would Jesus do?” if you’re feeling conflicted. Saying the Serenity Prayer can also help you push through moments of temptation: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. ”
If your denomination doesn’t practice the sacrament of Confession, pray to God for forgiveness on your own and ask your priest or minister for advice about spiritual healing.
Keep in mind God’s plan is beyond comprehension, Christian faith involves embracing mysteries that can’t be understood through reason alone.
For Christians, suffering has an important purpose. Suffering connects us to others and helps us become better people. If you’ve suffered in the past, you’re more able to help someone else who is suffering now. [21] X Research source Suppose, for example, your friend is upset because they were teased at school. If you had to deal with a bully in the past, you’re in a better position to help your friend overcome the situation.
