Recess: Contemplative Studies throughout the Christian Year

Recess: a temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity;
a secluded or inner area or part.

These contemplative studies, written by Sharon Racke, are meant to provide you with an opportunity for recess, a chance to cease your usual activity and examine your inner self. A time to be aware of God and how he is working in your life. They start with the season of Advent and follow the Christian calendar throughout the year. There are 52 studies in all.

The studies are not meant to be hurried through. Come back to them several times during the week. Print them and jot down your thoughts and reactions, or keep a journal.

Study 1: Advent Week One — Hope

Study 2: Advent Week Two — Peace

Study 3: Advent Week Three — Joy

Study 4: Advent Week Four — Love

Study 5: Christmastide

Study 6: Jesus’ Baptism and Beginning of Ministry

Study 7: Part of the Kingdom

Study 8: The Kingdom “Not Yet”

Study 9: The Interior Castle

Study 10: Seeing God

Study 11: Transfiguration and Ash Wednesday

Study 12: Lent — Becoming Like Jesus

Study 13: Lent — Becoming Like Jesus, Part 2

Study 14: Lent — Becoming Like Jesus, Part 3

Study 15: Lent — The Cost of Discipleship

Study 16: Lent — Intentional Discipleship

Study 17: Holy Week — Knowing and Being Known

Study 18: Easter — Paradise is Now!

Study 19: Easter Week Two — New Life Now

Study 20: Easter Week Three — Clear Objectives

Study 21: Easter Week Four — Primary Objectives

Study 22: Easter Week Five — First Primary Objective (cont’)

Study 23: Easter Week Six — Second Primary Objective

Study 24: Easter Week Seven — Second Primary Objective (cont’)

Study 25: Pentecost — Gifts and Fruit

Study 26: Trinity Sunday — Included in the Trinity

Study 27: A Conversational Life With God (Part 1)

Study 28: A Conversational Life With God (Part 2)

Study 29: A Conversational Life With God (Part 3)

Study 30: A Conversational Life With God (Part 4)

Study 31: Hearing God (Introduction)

Study 32: Hearing God — Guideline One

Study 33: Hearing God — Guideline Two

Study 34: Hearing God — Guideline Three

Study 35: Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines

Study 36: Spiritual Disciplines (cont’)

Study 37: The Spiritual Discipline of Meditation

Study 38: The Spiritual Discipline of Meditation (Part 2)

Study 39: The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer

Study 40: The Spiritual Discipline of Prayer (Part 2)

Study 41: The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Study 42: The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting (Part 2)

Study 43: The Spiritual Discipline of Study

Study 44: The Spiritual Discipline of Study (Part 2)

Study 45: The Spiritual Discipline of Simplicity, Introduction

Study 46: Simplicity, The Inward Reality

Study 47: Simplicity, Outward Lifestyle

Study 48: All Saints Day

Study 49: The Spiritual Discipline of Solitude, Introduction

Study 50: The Spiritual Discipline of Solitude and its Relationship to Silence

Study 51: Practicing the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude

Study 52: Christ the King