On November 16, 2024, eighteen local Urantia Book readers gathered at Papago Park in Phoenix, amid the sandstone buttes, desert brush, and fresh lagoons, to explore the topic of spiritual growth and the practices that inspire it. The event blended discussion, sharing, and fellowship, uniting old friends and welcoming new faces in an enriching experience.

The morning opened with Tim Hobbs guiding an engaging exercise. Participants paired up and formed small groups to reflect on a simple yet profound question: “What is something you love?” At first, responses were light and surface-level, but as the sharing deepened, they became more meaningful, sparking rich dialogue. This progression underscored the power of active listening, fostering greater understanding among us.

Next, I led a session exploring diverse facets of growth: strengthening personal faith; deepening worship; nurturing soul growth through the mind’s partnership with the Thought Adjuster; improving our self-mastery; progressing through the seven psychic circles; and expanding our relationships with others. With these in mind, we turned our attention to spiritual and religious practices that cultivate growth—either in ourselves or others. As groups shared their ideas, a vibrant list emerged:

• Meditation
• Talking with Jesus
• Prayer
• Attending church
• Writing favorite quotes
• Striving for balance
• Focusing on gratitude
• Cultivating favorable conditions for soul growth (humble, patient, loyal, sincere, just)
• Journaling
• Repeating a mantra
• Singing favorite songs
• Reciting God’s attributes alphabetically
• Writing personal prayers
• Using music as a focal point
• Walking and talking with God
• Sharing faith as an evangel
• Creating community
• Being an example
• Complimenting others’ service
• Encouraging and serving others
• Practicing contemplative prayer
• Discerning rather than judging
• Seeking neutral social spaces
• Being in a group for accountability
• Asking, “What Would Michael Do?” (WWMD)
• Quieting the mind
• Maintaining consistency with habits
• Turning to God when waking in the night

Each practice offers a pathway to reflection and daily devotion. In future posts, we’ll delve deeper into some of these and other habits that nurture spiritual growth.

The morning closed with Ruthie Wenger leading an intriguing game she’d experienced at another retreat. To preserve its charm for future gatherings, I’ll keep the details a surprise. We left inspired, eager to continue cultivating our spiritual paths—both individually and as a community.