Spiritual Disciplines for life

Why Practice Spiritual Disciplines, Titus 2:11-15 & 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Prayer & Fasting, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Simplicity & Submission, Philippians 4:10-13, Matthew 6:19-33

Silence & Solitude, Luke 5:15-16 & 1 Kings 19:11-13

Service & Giving, Matthew 6:19-21 & Matthew 25:14-30

Scripture: Study, Memorization, Contemplation & Meditation, Psalm 119

https://groundworkonline.com/blog/what-are-spiritual-disciplines#:~:text=Spiritual%20disciplines%20are%20practices%20that,exercises%20for%20the%20spiritual%20life.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE PRACTICE

The practice of spiritual disciplines for personal spiritual growth includes Bible study, prayer, meditation, and fasting. These are referred to as inward disciplines. Outward practices are service, solitude, submission, and simplicity, while corporate practices are worship, celebration, confession, and guidance. There are various other names for spiritual disciplines and different ways they have been grouped. The essential mark in all of them is they produce the same benefit: spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Scripture: Study, Memorization, Contemplation & Meditation, Psalm 119

Bible study as a discipline allows Christians to know God and His ways so we can commune with Him. The more we know God, the more our lives and our thinking changes. David said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). Bible study enlarges the mind and the heart, making it possible for us to trust God’s will for our lives.

Tip: Approach the Bible with humility. Consider reading the short books first, asking God to reveal truths to you. Use different colored highlighters and search for reoccurring words, themes, book structure, etc. Have commentaries at your disposal for historical context.

Prayer & Fasting, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Prayer as a discipline opens a line of communication with the God who created the universe. The Bible tells us, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Nothing is impossible when believers pray in faith.

Tip: Listen more than you talk. God is not a wish-granter; He is a relational God who wants to commune with you. Use a prayer journal to keep you focused. Don’t rush. This is valuable time that will add quality and depth to your life, more than the other disciplines.

Silence & Solitude, Luke 5:15-16 & 1 Kings 19:11-13

Meditation as a discipline provides benefits for believers that cannot be received by any other means. The Bible promises, “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you” (Isaiah 26:3). With God we can know perfect peace no matter what is going on around us.

Tip: Focus meditation on God, His Word, and His works in your life. Slow down and feel the weight of what you are meditating on. It’s beneficial to meditate when you first wake up in the mornings. Your mind is fresh and open to God.

Simplicity & Submission, Philippians 4:10-13, Matthew 6:19-33

Fasting as a discipline frees us to focus our attention squarely on God. There can be great benefits to a godly fast. Isaiah said, “Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)

Tip: Many Christians give up meals, but some remove television, social media, and other distractions as a fast. The key to a successful spiritual fast is to spend time with God to replace what you have given up.

As you practice spiritual disciplines, day by day the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). Plus, we have received this promise from God: “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). One day, we will look like Christ.

https://voices.lifeway.com/discipleship-evangelism/what-are-spiritual-disciplines/