Spiritual discipline refers to the intentional practices, habits, and actions that a believer undertakes to grow in their relationship with God, deepen their faith, and live out their spiritual commitments. These disciplines are designed to help Christ followers grow in holiness, spiritual maturity, and obedience to God’s will. We discipline ourselves so that we can fight the daily spiritual battles.
Here’s a few to help you get started:
Personal Devotion
Engaging in private prayer, Bible reading, and worship to draw closer to God.
Examples: Daily quiet time with God, journaling, meditation on Scripture.
•Psalm 1:2 – “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
•Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
Prayer
Consistently communicating with God, including both personal prayers and intercession for others.
Examples: Setting aside specific times for prayer, praying without ceasing, and corporate prayer with others.
•1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
•Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Scripture Study
Actively reading and studying the Bible, seeking to understand its meaning and apply it to life.
Examples: Bible study groups, memorizing verses, and reflecting on God’s Word.
•2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
•Acts 17:11 – “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Fasting
Voluntarily abstaining from food or other things to focus on spiritual growth and seek God’s guidance.
Examples: Periodic fasts, fasting for specific prayers, or fasting from distractions like social media.
•Matthew 6:16-18 – “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
•Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
Worship
Regularly engaging in corporate or personal worship, adoring God for His greatness and seeking His presence.
Examples: Attending church services, singing hymns, and engaging in spontaneous worship.
•John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”
•Psalm 95:1-2 – “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
Solitude and Silence
Setting aside time away from distractions to listen to God, reflect, and seek clarity.
Examples: Retreats, quiet reflection, and silent prayer.
•Mark 1:35 – “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
•Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Service
Serving others selflessly as an expression of God’s love and obedience to Christ’s teachings.
Examples: Volunteering, acts of kindness, and participating in community service.
•Matthew 20:28 – “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
•Galatians 5:13 – “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Simplicity
Living with intentional limits on material possessions, focusing on what is essential, and avoiding excessive distractions.
Examples: Decluttering, avoiding materialism, and living with a spirit of contentment.
•Luke 12:15 – “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”
•1 Timothy 6:6-8 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Accountability (Fellowship & Encouragement)
Engaging with a trusted group or mentor who can encourage spiritual growth, provide correction, and offer support.
Examples: Participating in small groups, having a spiritual mentor, or joining accountability partnerships.
•Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
•Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Confession and Repentance
Regularly confessing sins to God, seeking His forgiveness, and making a commitment to turn away from sin.
Examples: Personal confession, seeking restoration in relationships, and practicing humility.
•1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
•James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Purpose of Spiritual Disciplines
The ultimate goal of spiritual disciplines is to grow closer to God, strengthen faith, and reflect the character of Christ in everyday life. These practices are not to be done for self-glorification, but as a means to align one’s heart and actions with God’s will. They are the means of grace through which God transforms and empowers believers.
•1 Timothy 4:7-8 – “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
•John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Conclusion
Spiritual disciplines are Biblically grounded practices that help believers grow in their faith, reflect Christ’s character, and live in obedience to God. We discipline ourselves so that we can fight the daily spiritual battles. The devil never rests, but we rest in the Lord.
