Visit with Priest

I had a good visit yesterday with a new priest(Episcopalian) friend. We talked about many things, but one thing he discussed was the idea of "spiritual calasthynics." It is this idea of "working out the spirit" through ritualized prayer, "quiet time," Bible reading, etc. He was juxtaposing that idea with the concept of surrender. It think he was getting at was the concept of Noise that C.S. Lewis considers in The Screwtape Letters. The idea being that essentially we busy ourselves with activity - even spiritual activity - as a means to keep us busy. Instead of being still and silent and surrenduring to God, we occupy ourselves with the trappings of popular Christianity. I do not think he was advocating the cessation of lectio divina (etc.) but rather not letting our spiritual routine distract us from the voice of God. Do we substitute our riturals for reliance? .... hmmm ....

BTW - it is a real joy to have the opportunity to share another perspective, from one who does not carry all of the Baptist baggage.