Grow in Christ

The Spiritual Disciplines

The spiritual disciplines are the time-tested practices that open a Christian life to God: prayer, Scripture, worship, rest, generosity, and more. They are not a ladder to climb or a way to earn God's love, which is already given in full through Christ. They are means of grace, simple habits that make room in ordinary life to receive the love we already have and to be changed by it. Here is a gentle, practical guide to each one.

Every discipline below flows from the same source and leads to the same Person. None of them makes God love you more; each of them helps you live in the love that is already yours. Begin with the one that draws you, start small, and be gentle with yourself. The disciplines are not tests to pass but doors to walk through, and the door is always open.

PrayerPrayer is simply talking with God, honestly, in your own words, as a beloved child speaks with a Father who already loves you.ScriptureReading and meditating on Scripture is the practice of feeding on God's Word: not just skimming it for information, but taking it in slowly, thinking it over, and letting it shape the heart.FastingFasting is the practice of going without food, or something else good, for a time, in order to turn the hunger of the body into hunger for God.WorshipWorship is the practice of giving God the honor, love, and attention that belong to Him alone.Silence and SolitudeSilence and solitude are the paired practices of getting quiet and getting alone with God, deliberately stepping out of noise and company for a time to be with Him.ConfessionConfession is the practice of telling the truth about ourselves to God, and sometimes to trusted others, honestly naming where we have gone wrong so that we can receive forgiveness and healing.Giving and GenerosityGiving and generosity are the practice of holding our money and possessions with an open hand, sharing freely with God's work and with people in need.ServingServing is the practice of using our time, gifts, and strength for the good of others, taking the lowly place as Jesus did.FellowshipFellowship is the practice of sharing life together as the family of God: gathering with other believers to worship, encourage, pray, bear burdens, and spur one another toward love and good works.Sabbath and RestSabbath and rest are the practice of regularly stopping our work to rest in God, trusting Him enough to cease striving for a day and to receive life as a gift.Gratitude and ThanksgivingGratitude and thanksgiving are the practice of noticing God's gifts and thanking Him for them, training the heart to see grace everywhere and to respond with joy.Simplicity and ContentmentSimplicity and contentment are the paired practices of living free from the grip of more, learning to be satisfied in God rather than in possessions, status, or endless acquiring.

These pages point onward. If you are learning to pray, see our guide on how to pray. If you are new to Scripture, see how to read the Bible. And if you are still wondering who Jesus is, begin with who is Jesus.

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The disciplines are not a solo project but a shared life. On The Living Bread you can pray, read the Word, sit in worship, find a church near you, and walk with the family of God. Free, with no ads, for all people. And if you are still wondering who Jesus is, start there.

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