Spiritual disciplines are gospel-centered personal and interpersonal activities (practices) that are prescribed in the Bible as means for collaborating with the Holy Spirit’s work of producing growth in godliness in the believer (1 Tim 4:7 NASB). Spiritual disciplines don’t guarantee or produce growth. The Holy Spirit produces growth and spiritual disciplines are merely a means to an end.
Many different authors cover different spiritual disciplines. Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline covers meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. Don Whitney, in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life covers some of the same disciplines as Foster but includes things like evangelism, stewardship, journaling, and learning. Jack Hayford, in his book Living the Spirit-formed Life: Growing in the 10 principles of spirit-filled discipleship, includes practices such as committing to hear God’s voice, living in the power of baptism, celebrating the Lord’s table, walking in the Spirit of Forgiveness, maintaining integrity of heart, abiding in the fullness of the Spirit, and living a life of submission. The author’s theological persuasion often influences what they consider as spiritual disciplines.
Click here to view a list of Spiritual Disciplines.