What comes to mind when you hear the word discipline?
Personally, the word brings me back to the “get to your room now” and “no television for a week” declarations of my parents following my poor behavior.
Particularly for those who have experienced harsh forms of discipline in the past, the word likely carries a negative connotation. It may evoke images of strict rules or punishments. It may conjure up feelings of pressure, perfectionism, or fear of failure.
But there is a healthy kind of discipline that has the power to transform us from the inside out: spiritual disciple.
Discipline: the general versus spiritual definition
Oxford Languages defines discipline as “being able to train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.”
We all likely have experience with this – regularly exercising despite feeling unmotivated, choosing nutritious food over junk food, adhering to a financial budget, and so forth. These examples illustrate how discipline manifests in various aspects of life and contributes to personal growth, achievement, and success.
Similarly, spiritual discipline is also a form of training ourselves. But it is for a single, specific goal: to grow in relationship with God.
Spiritual discipline is done willingly and joyfully, not out of fear of punishment. When spiritual discipline is exercised with a fervent desire to know God more, it can be a powerful tool in our faith journey.
What are the Core Spiritual Disciplines?
The spiritual disciplines are rooted in the teachings of Jesus and modeled by Him throughout the New Testament. Depending on your source, you will find countless variations of the core spiritual disciplines. I will go over five today, but please remember that these are not the only ways to grow in relationship with God. ANYTHING can be a spiritual practice when we offer it to God out of love. Additionally, the ways we practice them will vary from person to person.
Five Core Spiritual Disciplines:
1. Prayer
Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. It allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, as well as to seek guidance, forgiveness, and strength from God. Just as communication is vital in any relationship, prayer helps us grow closer to God, fostering intimacy and trust.
Jesus himself prayed regularly, setting an example for his followers. Throughout the New Testament, there are numerous instances of Jesus praying alone and with his disciples, highlighting its importance in drawing closer to God.
There are many forms of prayer. It is talking to God, listening to Him, and simply being with Him. Remember, God wants us to be our authentic selves around Him! For some, prayer may most often be done kneeling with hands folded and eyes closed. For others, it may be done on a walk while gazing upon God’s creation.
2. Solitude and Silence
God uses silence and solitude to speak to us, guide us, and rejuvenate us. In 1 Kings 19: 11-13, God did not come in the fierce wind, earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper. If we do not set aside quiet time in our day, how will we be able to hear God’s voice? Without silence and solitude, it is practically impossible to grow your relationship with the Lord. This is why it is so important that we intentionally separate ourselves from the noise and chaos of the world.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus intentionally seeks out solitary places to pray and commune with God. In the Gospel of Mark, we hear of Him rising before dawn and withdrawing to a solitary place to pray:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Mark 1:35
Moments of solitude and silence like this were essential for Jesus to recharge spiritually, seek guidance from the Father, and prepare for the challenges of his ministry. They serve as examples of the importance of carving out time for quiet reflection, prayer, and communion with God.
3. Scripture
Scripture is the primary way we come to know more about God’s character. By reading the Word of God, we see who He is and what He has done. It also serves as a sort of blueprint for how to live a full and righteous life.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Deliberate reading, study, reflection, and memorization of the Bible allows us to gain understanding of God’s Word and apply it to our lives. I’ve frequently heard the comment that reading scripture can be boring. My answer to that is – try reading it in a new light.
There are countless ways to read scripture, and each leads to new insights.
For example…
- Reading the Bible to become familiar with its contents, narratives and teachings
- Studying the historical context, cultural background, literary style, and theological significance of various books
- Committing key verse or passages to memory
- Looking for qualities of God’s character
- Reflecting deeply on God’s Word and discerning how is speaks to your personal circumstances
- Aligning your behavior to the teachings in the Bible
Throughout the Gospels, there are numerous instances where Jesus quotes from, refers to, or interprets passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, when Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, he responds to each temptation by quoting Scripture.
By engaging in the spiritual discipline of Scripture, believers cultivate a deeper relationship with God, grow in spiritual maturity, and are equipped for faithful living and service in accordance with God’s will.
4. Community
Also known as fellowship, this spiritual discipline involves leaning on and supporting others in the journey of faith.
Jesus knew that it was not easy to be His follower. It often required leaving a life of comfort, facing persecution, and required going against social norms. But God never intended for us to do it alone.
Jesus Himself was involved in an intimate community. He called twelve men to be his close companions and followers. He spent significant time with them, teaching, training, and preparing them for their future roles in spreading the Gospel. Jesus also participated in communal events and celebrations, such as the Wedding at Cana and the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
In times of sorrow or hardship, the greatest comfort is knowing you are not alone. God gave us one another to help us remain strong even amid challenges.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27
Fellowship provides an opportunity for followers of Jesus to share their faith journey, experiences, struggles, and victories with one another. It also fosters accountability among one another to live out their faith, follow Christ’s teachings, and maintain the spiritual disciplines.
Community with fellow followers of Jesus serves also as a powerful witness to the world. Standing united with one another and embodying God’s love in our relationships is a way we bear witness to the truth of the Gospel and lead others to the faith.
5. Service
Serving others is another way we can model God’s love and compassion.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
When we serve others, we are following Jesus’ example. It does not just help others, but helps us because we start to look more like Him.
Not sure where to get started? Start in your own home! Explore new ways to serve your family. Complete household tasks like cleaning, cooking, laundry, and yard work without being asked. Offer to run errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions, to ease the burden on other family members. Most importantly, do these with a joyful heart, knowing that you’re following Jesus’ example.
You also might consider serving in your local community, becoming involved in a church ministry, or participating in a local, national or international mission trip.
No matter how we choose to serve others, doing so allows us to emulate God’s self-giving love.
When you feel a calling to serve in a certain way, get up and go!
At first, these disciplines may be challenging. You may find yourself distracted during prayer or unable to find time in silence and solitude. Be patient with yourself, and stay committed to practicing the spiritual disciplines. Trust me, over time they will become ingrained into your daily life.
Being spiritually disciplined is not merely a trait; it is a mindset, a lifestyle, and a path to growing in relationship with the Lord.
What is one small way you can practice spiritual discipline today?
Abbey holds a degree in journalism from Indiana University. Her favorite topics to cover are spiritual development, nutrition, and the importance of community and connection. Currently, she and her husband live in Michigan where she works in active ministry. In her free time you’ll likely find her nose deep in a book, leading group fitness classes, or experimenting in the kitchen.
