Pilgrim Practices
Pilgrim Practices for Everyday Life
What does it mean to live as a pilgrim in everyday life? In our recent conversation on the Freedom Challenge podcast, we explored this question through the lens of our new Bible study, The Heart of Pilgrimage: A Four-Week Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. This study was born out of a shared passion for biblical literacy and a deep desire to help women engage with Scripture in a transformative, embodied way.
The Power of Invitation
Lisa DaSilva, founder of Arise Ministries Collective, shared how the power of invitation has shaped her life—from boardrooms to ministry launches. Arise is a community of women in the Pacific Northwest committed to creating safe spaces for learning and practicing the Word of God. Lisa reminded us that when women know Scripture and depend on the Holy Spirit, they become powerful vessels for the Kingdom.
Why Bible Literacy Matters
Both of us have experienced seasons where we realized how little we truly understood the Bible. Lisa’s journey began during a personal crisis in her 30s, and Tracy’s started as a child of first-generation believers. We’ve seen firsthand how Scripture, studied in context, can transform lives. In a world flooded with soundbites and social media snippets, we need the nutrient-dense truth of God’s Word—not just commentary or sermons, but the Bible itself.
Pilgrim Practices: Strategies for Everyday Study
In our Bible study, we introduce four strategies for success that can be applied to any study of Scripture:
Pray – Begin with surrender and openness to God’s voice.
Find a Consistent Time and Place – Create a rhythm that works for your season of life.
Gather Your Materials – Keep your Bible, journal, pens, and other tools in one place.
Finish It – Commit to completing the study, even if it’s just four weeks.
These practices are not rigid rules but invitations to deepen your relationship with Jesus. They help us remember that we are built on an unshakable foundation—the love and truth of Christ.
Praxis: From Knowing to Living
We introduced the concept of praxis—the embodiment and application of knowledge. Studying Scripture isn’t just about gaining information; it’s about transformation. We want women to move from knowing to living, from orthodoxy to orthopraxy. That’s why our study includes tools like marking the text, cross-referencing, word studies, and paraphrasing. These help us engage with Scripture in a way that leads to action.
Psalm 19: A Reflection
Lisa shared her journey of memorizing Psalm 19, which beautifully describes the impact of God’s Word:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul... more precious than gold... sweeter than honey.”
This passage reminds us of the joy, wisdom, and light found in Scripture. It’s a call to reflect—are we living as pilgrims, journeying toward the heart of the Father, or as tourists, focused on ourselves?
Community and Commitment
One of the most powerful aspects of this study is its communal nature. The Psalms of Ascent were sung by families journeying together to worship. We encourage you to do this study with others—invite friends, join a group, or lead one yourself. Resources are available on the Arise and Freedom Challenge websites to help you get started.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re new to Bible study or a seasoned student, The Heart of Pilgrimage offers a fresh, accessible way to engage with Scripture. You can find it on Amazon, and we’d love for you to leave a review to help others discover it. Proceeds go toward helping enslaved women and children—so your study becomes part of a greater mission.
Let’s walk together as pilgrims, reflecting on the Word, practicing it daily, and inviting others into the journey.
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Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/xxEV6mADiEA
Listen to the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/842389/episodes/17736479
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Want to learn more?
The Freedom Challenge US: thefreedomchallenge.com
Operation Mobilization USA: omusa.org
Instagram: @freedomchallengeusa / Facebook: @thefcusa