PRACTICE
It’s interesting that the word “practice” is defined in two ways. It is the actual application of an idea or belief, such as the practice of your religion. And it is the repeated performance of an activity so as to become proficient. So, when you do the practices of your religion — prayer, meditation, fasting, repentance — you become more proficient in the practice of your religion.
An athlete will practice for hours, shooting free throws, taking batting practice, hitting tennis balls.
Athletic skills are acquired over a long period of time and after countless hours of practice. Zig Ziglar
If you don’t practice you don’t deserve to win. Andre Agassi
Practice is the best of all instructors. Publilius Syrus
And like the athlete in training, each one of us is in training as well. We are working to become a better submitter to God, a more righteous person. And it also takes practice.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; sound understanding belongs to those who practice it. Praise of God endures forever. Psalm 111:10
Practice applies everywhere. If we put our minds to it, we can practice anything until we become accomplished at it. We can learn to play the piano; we can run faster. But more importantly, we can work on positive life skills that will make us better people.
When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.
Dalai Lama
The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. Nhat Hanh
The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world. Marianne Williamson
The most important things for us to practice are the practices of our faith. We have the opportunity to be in touch with God, to become closer to Him.
[73:8] You shall commemorate the name of your Lord, to come ever closer and closer to Him.
God has given us the tools, the practices to reach Him. We have prayer — our daily Contact Prayers, plus any time we want to pray for help, guidance, support, forgiveness or blessings. We have meditation — a time of quiet contemplation to reflect on God’s gifts and kindness. We have fasting — an opportunity to be more aware of our provisions and of those less fortunate. We have charity — when we can realize how many blessings we have and share with those in need. We benefit from pursuing and enhancing these practices.
In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law.
This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts. Psalm 119:55–56
Jesus taught his disciples: “… whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
In the privacy of the night, they meditate on their Lord, and fall prostrate.
Quran 25:64
O you who believe, you shall bow, prostrate, worship your Lord, and work righteousness, that you may succeed. Quran 22:77
Practice may not make perfect, but it allows for improvement and growth. When we practice the practices, we become stronger, more positive, more righteous. We live a better life. God grants us that inner peace we all seek.
It may take practice to think more positively and more compassionately, but just as you must train a puppy to behave the way you want it to, you must train your mind to behave itself. Otherwise, like the puppy, your mind will just make a lot of messes. Tom Barrett
