(Someone requested a list of the spiritual disciplines found in the scriptures. The list I will be using is not exhaustive but gives a good overview of the habits we can employ to improve our relationship with our Savior and strengthen us spiritually.)
Spiritual disciplines are practices or activities that Christians engage in to deepen their relationship with God and grow in their faith. While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of spiritual disciplines, there are several disciplines that are emphasized throughout the Bible. Here are some of the spiritual disciplines for Christians and where they are located in the Bible:
- Prayer: Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines, and it is mentioned throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer and modeled it frequently (Matthew 6:5-15, Luke 11:1-13).
- Bible Study/Meditation: Reading and meditating on the Bible is essential for spiritual growth. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Also, Paul advised Timothy to study the Scriptures carefully in 2 Timothy 2:15.
- Fasting: Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food for a set period of time for the purpose of spiritual discipline. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2), and He taught about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18.
- Worship: Worship involves praising and honoring God, often through music, singing, and other expressions of devotion. The Psalms are full of examples of worship, such as Psalm 100 and 150.
- Silence and Solitude: Silence and solitude are practices of intentionally withdrawing from the busyness of life to spend time alone with God. Jesus frequently withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16).
- Serving Others: Serving others is a way to demonstrate love and compassion, following the example of Jesus who washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) and instructed His followers to serve others (Matthew 25:31-46).
- Fellowship/Community: Fellowship with other believers is a way to encourage and support one another in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25), to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
These are just a few examples of the spiritual disciplines for Christians and where they are located in the Bible.
Intentional Faith 