Celebration of Discipline

1. Cultivate a "with-God" life through spiritual disciplines

"The Bible is all about human life 'with God.'"

Spiritual formation is the process of being shaped into Christlikeness. This transformation occurs through intentional practices called spiritual disciplines. These disciplines include prayer, study, confession, worship, service, secrecy, guidance, meditation, solitude, fellowship, fasting, and sacrifice. By engaging in these practices, we open ourselves to God's transforming grace and learn to live in constant awareness of His presence.

The goal is to develop a "with-God" life, where we experience God's presence in every aspect of our daily existence. This involves:

• Recognizing God's desire for relationship with us
• Actively seeking God's presence through various disciplines
• Allowing God to shape our thoughts, actions, and character
• Integrating our faith into all areas of life, not just religious activities

2. Prayer: The key to developing an interactive friendship with God

"Prayer is how we come to God and participate in our growing love relationship with him."

Prayer is foundational to all other spiritual disciplines. It is not merely about asking God for things, but about developing a deep, interactive friendship with Him. Through prayer, we learn to align our will with God's and become more attuned to His voice.

Effective prayer involves:

• Honesty and vulnerability before God
• Listening as much as speaking
• Persistence and regularity
• Praying in various forms (e.g., contemplative, intercessory, thanksgiving)
• Allowing prayer to shape our character and actions

3. Study: Engage with Scripture to transform your mind and heart

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Scripture study is essential for spiritual growth. It involves more than just reading; it requires careful analysis, meditation, and application of God's Word to our lives. Through study, we gain wisdom, develop discernment, and allow God's truth to shape our worldview.

Effective Scripture study includes:

• Regular, systematic reading of the Bible
• Using various study methods (e.g., verse-by-verse analysis, thematic study)
• Applying what we learn to our daily lives
• Memorizing key passages
• Discussing insights with other believers

4. Confession: Embrace honesty and healing in your relationship with God

"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Confession involves acknowledging our faults and sins before God and, when appropriate, to others. It is a crucial practice for maintaining a clear conscience and experiencing God's forgiveness and healing. Confession helps us grow in self-awareness and humility.

The practice of confession includes:

• Regular self-examination
• Honest acknowledgment of sins to God
• Seeking forgiveness and making amends when necessary
• Confiding in trusted spiritual friends or mentors
• Embracing God's grace and forgiveness

5. Worship: Express adoration and reverence to God in various forms

"Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth."

Worship is the heartfelt expression of love, adoration, and reverence to God. It involves recognizing God's worth and responding with our whole being. Worship can take many forms and should permeate every aspect of our lives.

Elements of worship include:

• Praise and thanksgiving
• Music and singing
• Contemplation and meditation
• Service and obedience
• Offering our whole lives as a living sacrifice

6. Service: Love and promote the good of others as an act of devotion

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."

Service is a practical expression of our love for God and others. It involves using our gifts, talents, and resources to meet the needs of those around us. Through service, we imitate Christ's example and participate in God's work in the world.

Aspects of service include:

• Identifying and using our spiritual gifts
• Meeting practical needs in our community
• Serving within the church and beyond
• Cultivating a servant's heart in all areas of life
• Seeing service as an act of worship and love for God

7. Secrecy: Practice humility and trust in God's approval

"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven."

The discipline of secrecy involves deliberately keeping our good deeds and spiritual practices hidden from others. This helps us cultivate humility and learn to seek God's approval rather than human recognition. Secrecy guards against pride and helps purify our motives.

Practicing secrecy includes:

• Doing good deeds without announcing them
• Praying and fasting in private
• Giving anonymously
• Resisting the urge to share spiritual experiences for acclaim
• Trusting that God sees and rewards what is done in secret

8. Guidance: Experience God's direction through an interactive friendship

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Divine guidance is about learning to discern and follow God's will for our lives. It involves developing sensitivity to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances. The goal is to cultivate an interactive friendship with God where we regularly seek and receive His direction.

Elements of seeking guidance include:

• Regular prayer and listening for God's voice
• Studying and meditating on Scripture
• Seeking wisdom from mature believers
• Paying attention to circumstances and open doors
• Testing perceived guidance against Scripture and wise counsel

9. Meditation: Prayerfully ruminate on God's Word and works

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Meditation involves deep, focused reflection on God's Word and works. It is not about emptying the mind, but filling it with truth and allowing that truth to transform us. Through meditation, we internalize God's Word and gain deeper insight into His character and will.

Practices of meditation include:

• Slowly reading and reflecting on Scripture passages
• Contemplating God's attributes and works
• Using imagination to enter into biblical narratives
• Focusing on a single word or phrase from Scripture
• Allowing God's truth to shape our thoughts and actions

10. Solitude: Create space for intimate communion with God

"Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."

Solitude is intentional time alone with God, free from distractions. It provides space for deep communion with God, self-reflection, and spiritual renewal. Solitude is essential for hearing God's voice clearly and aligning our hearts with His.

Practicing solitude involves:

• Setting aside regular times for being alone with God
• Finding a quiet place free from distractions
• Engaging in prayer, meditation, and reflection
• Listening for God's voice in the silence
• Allowing solitude to refresh and reorient our souls

11. Fellowship: Engage with other believers for mutual growth and support

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another."

Christian fellowship is more than just socializing; it's about sharing life together in Christ. Through fellowship, we encourage one another, sharpen each other spiritually, and experience the reality of being part of Christ's body.

Key aspects of fellowship include:

• Regular gathering with other believers
• Sharing in worship, prayer, and study together
• Offering mutual support and accountability
• Using our gifts to build up the body of Christ
• Practicing hospitality and sharing meals

12. Fasting and Sacrifice: Voluntarily abstain to focus on God's provision

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"

Fasting and sacrifice involve voluntarily giving up something (usually food) for a spiritual purpose. These practices help us focus on God's provision, develop self-control, and increase our dependence on Him. They also cultivate compassion and generosity towards others.

Practicing fasting and sacrifice includes:

• Regular periods of abstaining from food or other comforts
• Using fasting times for increased prayer and spiritual focus
• Giving up possessions or comforts to benefit others
• Developing a lifestyle of simplicity and generosity
• Allowing these practices to shape our hearts and priorities

Last updated: January 22, 2025