We're Talking About Practice?

March Madness, spiritual growth, and Allen Iverson

March Madness is here, and millions of people will tune in over the next few weeks to watch the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. These tournaments are the result of thousands of hours of dedication, commitment, hard work, and practice.

Practice is required to do almost anything well.

In May 2002, Allen Iverson, the Philadelphia 76ers' point guard, gave his now-infamous practice rant during a press conference. The context was a discussion about Iverson's commitment to practicing with his team, and Iverson, well known for his talent and intensity on the basketball court, responded to the reporters.

He repeatedly emphasized the word practice twenty-two times and openly questioned its significance to his game-time performance. Here is an excerpt from his impassioned speech:

"We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're in here talking about practice. I mean, listen, we're talking about practice? Not a game! Not a game! We're talking about practice. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it's my last. We're talking about practice, man. I mean, how silly is that?"

This speech has since become iconic in sports culture and is often referenced in discussions about the tension some coaches feel when it comes to pushing their players in practice.

John Wooden and Practice

In contrast, John Wooden, one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, emphasized the importance of practice in his coaching philosophy. He believed the more effort and dedication players put into their practice sessions, the better prepared they would be for the actual games.

He emphasized the process as even more important than the outcome.

Wooden believed that success on the court and in life depended on the preparation and hard work put into practice.

John Wooden understood that success was not determined by talent alone but by the dedication, effort, and commitment of players in their practice sessions. He would go on to win an NCAA record ten National Championships and seven in a row.

Iverson only made it to one NBA Finals, and even then, he fell short.

The lessons Wooden instilled in his players were bigger than basketball. The legendary coach also practiced his faith with deep devotion, apprenticing the ways of Jesus.

Practicing the Way

Followers of Jesus are called to practice the ways of their master teacher. Jesus emphasized the importance of putting His teachings into practice in Matthew 7:24-27 when the author writes,

“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.” 

He then goes on to write… “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”

This parable illustrates the importance of not simply hearing or even knowing Jesus's teachings but actively living them out. Those who practice what Jesus teaches are like a wise person who builds their house on a solid foundation.

Our obedience to Christ opens us to his presence and it’s his presence that actually transforms us.

Spiritual practices are more than disciplines we should master. Yes, we should strive to be better at prayer, reading Scripture, and worship, but we don’t wrestle our way into Christian maturity through hard work and effort. We participate. We struggle.

But it is the grace of God that brings about any lasting change.

Practicing His Presence

Central to the journey is the transformative practice of abiding in Jesus. This concept is rooted in the metaphorical language of John 15:5, where Jesus declares,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Abiding in Jesus is not a passive state of mind but an active, intentional process that involves staying connected to the source of life. Practicing Jesus' presence means remaining in a place to receive all he has to offer.

When we adopt and engage in spiritual practices like silence, solitude, and meditation, we create space that fosters a deep personal connection with Jesus.

Practicing God's presence in our daily lives, whether in ordinary tasks or significant decisions, cultivates an awareness of God’s presence and fosters continued abiding in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus involves intentional and consistent engagement with various spiritual practices.

There is no formation without repetition.

I’ve compiled a list of nearly fifty practices to help you deepen your walk with the Lord through practice. As you read through the list, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight three or four practices you need to begin to implement on a regular basis.  

Fifty Practices

Prayer

• Set aside dedicated time each day for personal prayer.

• Use a prayer journal to write down your prayers and reflections.

• Participate in prayer groups or prayer chains to pray with others.

• Utilize prayer apps or devotionals for guided prayer sessions.

• Practice the ACTS model of prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Bible Study

• Establish a consistent daily Bible reading plan.

• Use study Bibles, commentaries, or online resources to deepen your understanding of the Word.

• Join a small group or Bible study class for discussion and accountability.

• Memorize key verses or passages of Scripture.

• Reflect on how biblical principles apply to your daily life.

Fasting

• Choose a specific day or mealtime for fasting.

• Decide what type of fast (e.g., abstaining from food, entertainment, or social media) is appropriate for your spiritual goals.

• Use fasting as an opportunity for prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance.

• Start with shorter fasts and gradually increase the duration as you feel led.

Worship

• Attend church services regularly and actively participate in worship.

• Engage in congregational singing, prayer, and responsive readings.

• Take notes during sermons and reflect on how to apply the message to your life.

• Volunteer for roles in worship, such as reading Scripture or serving communion.

• Extend worship beyond Sundays by incorporating elements like music and prayer into your daily routine.

Holy Communion

• Participate in communion whenever it is offered at your church.

• Prepare your heart through prayer and self-examination before receiving the sacrament.

• Reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and your participation in the body of believers.

• Use communion as a time of spiritual renewal and recommitment to following Christ.

Christian Conferencing

• Join a small group, class meeting, or accountability group within your church.

• Attend Sunday school classes or discipleship groups for deeper fellowship and study.

• Meet regularly with a spiritual mentor or accountability partner for encouragement and support.

• Engage in open and honest conversations about faith, struggles, and growth with other believers.

Acts of Mercy and Social Justice

• Volunteer with local charities or community service organizations.

• Advocate for social justice issues through petitions, letters to legislators, or participating in peaceful protests.

• Donate resources, such as time, money, or skills, to help those in need.

• Educate yourself about systemic injustices and seek ways to address them in your community.

Holiness of Heart and Life

• Practice self-examination and confession of sin regularly.

• Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) in your daily life.

• Seek accountability from trusted friends or mentors to help you grow in holiness.

• Set boundaries to avoid temptation and foster spiritual discipline.

Personal Holiness

• Set aside time for reflection and journaling on your spiritual journey.

• Regularly evaluate your spiritual growth and areas for improvement.

• Seek out spiritual mentors or role models for guidance and encouragement.

• Take intentional steps to address areas of weakness or sin in your life.

Evangelism and Mission

• Share your faith with others through personal testimony and conversation.

• Look for opportunities to serve and build relationships with non-believers.

• Participate in outreach events or mission trips organized by your church.

• Support missionaries and evangelistic efforts financially or through prayer.

• Live out your faith authentically in your daily interactions, demonstrating Christ's love to those around you.

Conclusion

Steph Curry, the perennial All-Star, NBA Finals Champion, and point guard for the Golden State Warriors is considered to be the greatest shooter of all time. According to Steve Kerr his head coach, Curry stays after practice and normally shoots anywhere from three-hundred to five-hundred more shots.

“That’s him,” Kerr stated. “He’s a worker. It used to be even more, but we’ve lessened it as the years have gone on, especially with the long playoff runs. It’s not crazy if you just watch the workout. He’s very efficient, and he always finishes with 100 3s at the end of the 300-500.”

It’s easy to focus on the fruit of ministry rather than practicing the presence of Jesus. The practice is most important. If we center our lives on abiding in Jesus, and if we focus on cultivating a deeper relationship with God, the results will follow.

Yes, Mr. Iverson, we ARE talking about practice, and it’s crucial for spiritual growth.