Spiritual Disciplines 101

[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In talking about the Spirit of the Disciplines, we are talking about how we should view and approach them. So, I would like to offer a few clarifications on what they are and what they are not. They are practices, not prerequisites. Whitney notes, “It’s crucial - crucial - to … [Read more...] about Spirit of the Disciplines

[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] Let's talk briefly about the motivation for engaging in the Spiritual Disciplines. Why engage in these practices? What do they promise or offer?  Donald Whitney (2014) begins his book with this reminder: “Discipline without direction is drudgery” (p. 1). He gives the illustration … [Read more...] about Promise of the Disciplines

[Editor's Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In a previous post, we listed the spiritual disciplines as they have been presented by others. But where did these various practices come from? Are they just good ideas from modern pastors and authors? Or are their origins more significant than that? The short answer is that the spiritual … [Read more...] about Origin of the Disciplines 

In this series of posts, we will be talking about Spiritual Disciplines. We begin at the beginning... What are Spiritual Disciplines?  Spiritual Disciplines are the patterns, practices, and habits that help us grow in our knowledge and experience of God and in His likeness.  When we think of spiritual practices, we often think of reading the Bible and … [Read more...] about Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines