The Spiritual Disciplines


Disciplines of Abstinence

To abstain in some degree/time from fulfilling what is normally a legitimate desire [thus counteracting sins of commission].

Solitude — from companionship, to discover perspective on my normal routine of life

Silence —from sounds, to discover the place of God (and others) in my life

Fasting — from food, to discover a dependence upon God for each day’s sustenance

Frugality — from self-gratification, to discover the simplicity of my needs before God

Chastity — from sexuality, to discover my capacity to love the whole of another

Secrecy — from the need for my good to be acknowledged, to discover humility before and confidence in God alone

Sacrifice — from self-sufficiency, to discover how God meets my needs other than through my own resources


Disciplines of Engagement

To engage in those activities which nurture my growth and development [thus counteracting sins of omission]

Study — meditating on the Word, to discover God at work in my world

Worship — proclaiming the greatness of God, to discover His presence with me

Celebration — enjoying my life and world, to discover God’s goodnesses to me

Service — promoting the good of others, to discover God’s work in the world

Prayer — conversing with God, to discover His strength for His priorities

Fellowship — acting in community, to discover the graces of the Holy Spirit given through others

Confessions — offering honesty and openness, to discover integrity within the spiritual community created by God for us

Submission — engaging the experience of those over me, to discover the godly support and skill of the wise

* These spiritual disciplines from Willard are not of biblical spiritual disciplines, but of those disciplines which have been practiced through the centuries of Christian disciplines and which have found a place within the practices of Christian spirituality.