What are spiritual disciplines or practices? 

Spiritual practices or spiritual disciplines are ways we intentionally seek out and connect with God. There are several practices that will help you get closer to God. I’ve listed a few of my favorites and hope they are helpful for you as you consider which one(s) are best for you. 

Why are spiritual disciplines important? 

I have found spiritual disciplines to be transformational in my life. Through spiritual disciplines, I’ve grown closer to God in a way I didn’t expect. Above that, I also have started to believe the grace and love God has for me. The unfailing, unconditional love that scripture talks about has begun to sink into my heart. 

Spiritual Disciplines are throughout scripture. The best example is Jesus himself. Jesus practiced fasting (MAT 4:2), solitude (MAT 15:21, MAT 26:42, MAR 14:39), and prayer (Luke 22:44, MAT 11:25, and more) all the time. Another example is Daniel. Daniel would set aside three intentional timeslots during the day to pray. (Dan 6:10)

John Mark Comer said, “You’re not commanded. You are invited.” Meaning, that we are not commanded to practice spiritual disciplines. But, if Jesus is our example and we want to be more like him, why wouldn’t we do what he did?

6 spiritual practices to try:

Prayer of Examine 

God has revealed himself in some amazing ways to me during my examine prayers. Most of the time, I gain a sense of self-awareness within my relationships. Often, I become aware of when I am not patient with my children because I’m feeling overworked or snapping at my husband because of an old wound. It causes me to reflect, repent, and sometimes even apologize to those around me.

I like to do this prayer while I’m lying in bed at the end of the day. Here is how you will practice the prayer of examine: 

Say a small prayer asking God to make you aware of his presence. Think back on your day. Play it in your mind like a movie montage. Let images come in and out. There may be fuzzy parts to the day and that’s ok! Don’t overthink it. 

Questions to ask as you’re recounting your day: 

Where did I see God moving today? 

Where did I lean toward God? Or away from God? 

What parts of my day were most life-giving? Or life-draining?

Does God have an invitation for me? 

Resource: Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton

Breath Prayer 

Breath prayers can be done anywhere and in any situation. These prayers are done with the cadence of your breathing. These prayers are also rooted in scripture. As you inhale, you will pray a small piece of scripture, and then exhale while praying scripture. For example: 

Inhale: “Be Still and Know” 

Exhale: “You are God” 

Download Robe and Crown’s Guide

Breath Prayer Practice: 20 Breath prayers in your everyday life.

Fasting

When it comes to fasting, the first thing people think is “I’m not going to eat anything for days.” This is a form of fasting, yes. Yet, this practice is so much deeper than that. 

About a year ago, I went on a 40-day sabbatical. I knew that I wanted to spend a lot of time with God. I had some big life decisions ahead of me and I needed God. For those 40 days, I knew that social media – specifically Instagram – would be a distraction for me. It would keep me from reading my bible first thing in the morning. It would keep me from connecting with my family in the evening. I wanted to limit the voices I was consuming through social media. I knew it would distract me from what my heart truly desired – sacred time with my Heavenly Father. 

So, I fasted from all social media for 40 days. I also made it a point to fast from television for 40 days as well…for good measure. 

While fasting can be related to food, it can also be a fast from something that is a distraction. It’s leaning on God and letting his grace and love for us sink into our hearts.

Resource: Lisa Brevere – How Fasting Revealed God’s Voice Video

Sabbath

Sabbath is when we take intentional time to lay all work down to spend time with God and those around us. 

As a mother of small children, this has been the hardest practice for me. I’ve especially struggled as I transitioned to working from home. Most times it looks like taking one day where I do no work on my business. Instead, I will make a nice dinner or breakfast for my family, play board games, and be intentional about spending time with them. 

So, while there are days when I will do a little laundry during my sabbath, I also don’t sit in shame for doing it wrong. I simply do the best I can and I know God delights in that. 

Resource: I love to follow Shireen Eldridge. As a mom of four and a pastor’s wife, her life is full. She’s great at advising on the practice of sabbath.

Gratitude

Gratitude has been a popular topic in the last few years in both Christian and secular crowds. The gratitude God invites us into is not a “manifestation” as some like to say gratitude can be. Being thankful for all things is God’s will for us.

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(CSB)‬‬ says, ”Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“

The practice of gratitude is much like a breath prayer. It can be done anywhere and in any situation. This practice can be difficult when we are in a state of grief or suffering. But gratitude gives us a way to lean into God when we are in hard seasons.

Resource: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Solitude

Solitude can be a hard practice depending on the season of life you are in. I’ve also been in conversations with others who have a very hard time sitting quietly for a while. But, I’ve found solitude to be transformational and my go-to when it comes to spiritual disciplines. 

Solitude is being still, quiet, and listening to God alone. Solitude is a contemplative prayer practice where you are quieting distractions to listen to the invitations God has for you. 

Through solitude, I’ve come to know and believe God’s true, unfailing, love for me. It has been life-changing.

Resource: Centering Prayer from Contemplative Outreach

The spiritual disciplines you choose to practice will fit your unique personality and stage of life. It might feel clunky at first, but keep going! God will show up in amazing ways for you.