Spiritual Disciplines – What Are They and Why Practice Them?

In talking with a friend the other day, the subject of spiritual disciplines came up in our conversation.

What exactly are spiritual disciplines, and how do we practice them?

In the past, I’ve always had the thought that the only people who practiced spiritual disciplines were monks hidden away in a monastery high up in the mountains. Chants, insense, and fasting would make up the majority of their day.

Here’s what I discovered about spiritual disciplines; I engage in them daily, and so do you. We are practicing them without even knowing that we are doing them.

What Exactly Are the Spiritual Disciplines?

Found throughout the Bible, spiritual disciplines are practices that increase our spiritual growth. We read in scripture that God’s chosen ones have practiced spiritual disciplines for thousands of years. Jesus, Himself practiced them also.

They are something that we physically do. In “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” author Don Whitney states that the practice of spiritual disciplines has one main goal; the goal is godliness.

Spiritual disciplines can be practiced alone or with others, just as Jesus did.

Twelve Spiritual Disciplines

In “Celebration of Discipline,” author Richard J. Foster outlines twelve spiritual disciplines.

They are:

  1. Meditation
  2. Prayer
  3. Fasting
  4. Study
  5. Simplicity
  6. Solitude
  7. Submission
  8. Service
  9. Confession
  10. Worship
  11. Guidance
  12. Celebration

Did you pray today? You practiced a spiritual discipline. This past Sunday, did you attend a church service or view it online? You practiced a spiritual discipline. Have you ever took a break from social media? Guess what? That is fasting, and you practiced a spiritual discipline.

Spiritual disciplines can be practiced daily, and you don’t need to be a theologian, minister, or monk to practice them. Everyone can practice these disciplines. From the woman with a career to the mom who is chasing around toddlers, to the mom who is facing the empty nest years, spiritual disciplines are for everyone.

Throughout these next few months, I will be blogging about each of these spiritual disciplines. As we live in such trying times, now is the perfect time to dig deep into your personal journey with Christ.

If you have any questions or comments or if you need prayer, please let me know.

Blessings to you all this week!


Resources to Download

Verses to Pray: 31 Days of Prayer for Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff at Our Schools

Now more than ever, our schools need our prayers! I’ve created this guide for you to pray daily for our students, parent, teachers, and staff. Please click here to download this free resource.

 

My Identity: A Five-Day Devotional to Remind You of Who You Are in Christ.

In the rush of life, we often forget our true identities, our identity in Christ. In this devotional, you will be reminded that you are forgiven, free, loved, redeemed, and seated. Click here to download.

 

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Missy Eversole-0042

Welcome Friends!

My name is Missy, and I love Jesus! 

I am a Christ-follower, wife, mom, author, and speaker. I am dedicated to empowering women to live audaciously for Jesus. Now is the time, friends, to step out of the shadows and tell everyone about Him! 

I am living proof that after being nudged by the Lord incessantly to further His kingdom, He will give you the boldness, courage, and fearlessness needed to accomplish His will.

In October 2021, I released my first book, "Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits."

I am the host of the "Bold Faith Now" podcast. The podcast that empowers you to embrace a fearless faith journey. If you want to live out your love and faith for Jesus with unwavering courage and conviction, this podcast is for you! Click here to listen! 

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