Spiritual Disciplines
are not a form of punishment
The term, "Spiritual Disciplines" brings images of punishment, being deprived and enduring hardship, but the root word is "disciple," which is a "learner," a "follower," and a "believer." So, these are not punishments but practices that help us know Christ intimately and believe more deeply in Him.
Believers in Christ have been practicing these exercises for ages because they longed to know Christ more intimately and these disciplines helped them to do that.
David talked of thirsting, longing and seeking after God. In this world He alone is what truly quenches our thirst and fills our souls.
Practicing these disciplines is a way to pursue a deep, satisfying and transforming relationship with the Lord.
There are many types of disciplines available to guide our growth in Christ
All of these tune your heart into God so that you might learn that your life is about Him. He is the source of your life, He provides the breath in your lungs. It is His kingdom that is important. As you break away from your daily ruts and rountines to focus on God, your life comes back into proper perspective. These are tools to help you listen to what the Lord wants to tell you. You will begin to hear His voice and His direction for your life.
When we are tuned into God, not only can we experience His love and holiness, but we can also learn what is inside of us that does not look like His Son. Then the Spirit works with us to transform those things until they do.
Spiritual disciplines help us to yield to God and surrender our striving for our own kingdom and start to live His.
We learn rest alone with Him. Jesus said:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Try these spiritual exercises and find rest.
Practice the Presence of God
This practice is focused on becoming aware of God always with you.
Silence and Solitude
Find rest for your souls as you come away with God.
Christian Meditation
This is a method to bring God's Word deeply into your heart.
Simplicity
Learn to live a simple life
Study
Discipline your mind to think for God
Lectio Divina
Let the Word itself transform you.
Fasting
Prayer
Rest
Retreats
Resources
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Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
By Donald S. Whitney
It's not uncommon for an accomplished musician to be able to sit down in front of a new piece of music and play it through without a hitch. To make it seem easy, as if it required no effort. Yet the "freedom" to play with such skill comes only after years of disciplined practice. In the same way, the freedom to grow in godliness---to naturally express Christ's character through your own personality---is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines. By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them on a long-term basis, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to embrace life's greatest pursuit---the pursuit of holiness---through a lifelong delight in the disciplines.
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All spiritual disciplines are part of spiritual formation. For more information click here.
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