Do you long for a deeper faith? A closer relationship with Jesus? A greater awareness of God’s presence?
Do you want to grow in Christlikeness? To have a deeper connection with God in your daily life? To have a stronger prayer life? To know your Bible better? To be transformed from the inside out? And to bear “much fruit”?
And yet, do you also feel stuck, or perhaps distant from God?
Do you struggle to find time to pray and read your bible? Does “spending time with God” often fall off the to-do list? Has the busyness of life crowded out intimacy with God?
This is where spiritual disciplines come in.
The spiritual disciplines (sometimes called spiritual habits or Christian disciplines) are simple, intentional practices that help us draw closer to God so we can grow in Christlikeness and become spiritually fruitful.
They are not about striving harder or earning God’s love. They are about making space for God’s grace, presence and transforming power in our day to day lives.
Spiritual disciplines were practiced by Jesus and his disciples, and have been practised by Christians all down the ages, from the early church onwards. But in our busy modern lives, they have somewhat fallen by the wayside. And yet they’re still incredibly relevant to us today.
In fact, we need them more than ever.
In this complete guide to the spiritual disciplines, we’ll explore:
- What spiritual disciplines are (and what they are not!)
- Why they matter in the Christian life
- The main spiritual disciplines Christians have practised for centuries
- How to incorporate spiritual disciplines into your daily life
This article contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission, but you will not be charged a penny more. Thanks for your support!
What are spiritual disciplines?
Spiritual disciplines are spiritual “habits” – such as prayer, reading Scripture, fellowship, fasting, worship, silence and solitude – which, when practised intentionally and consistently over time, deepen our faith, help us grow in our relationship with God and shape us to become more like Christ.
Jesus himself practised spiritual disciplines. He prayed regularly (Luke 5:16), withdrew into silence and solitude (Mark 1:35), fasted (Matthew 4:1–2), knew the Scriptures deeply (Luke 4:16–21) and regularly worshipped in community (Luke 4:16).
The early church practised spiritual disciplines. For example: prayer and reading Scripture (Acts 2:42), fasting (Acts 13:2–3), fellowship (Acts 2:42), evangelism (Matthew 28:19–20), worship (Colossians 3:16), service (Galatians 5:13), generosity (Acts 4:32–35), simplicity (Hebrews 13:5), gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18), social justice (James 1:27) and celebration (Philippians 4:4).
And Christians all throughout history have continued to practise these disciplines.
Yet, for a variety of reasons, spiritual disciplines have somewhat fallen by the wayside in the 21st century.
Our busy, distracted modern lives leave little room for prayer, worship, Scripture and unhurried time with God.
We are constantly surrounded by noise, notifications, entertainment and endless demands on our attention. Many of us feel stressed, anxious, overstimulated and spiritually depleted.
And sadly, some Christians have also wrongly associated spiritual disciplines with legalism…
READ MORE >>> What are spiritual disciplines?
Spiritual disciplines vs legalism
It’s important to be very clear: spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn God’s favour, practising them does not make God love us more and they are certainly not the route to salvation.
The Bible could not be clearer: we are saved by grace, not by “works”.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
The spiritual disciplines do not magically transform us in and of themselves. Rather, they are practices that help position us to receive God’s grace and be transformed by his Spirit.
One helpful analogy is that of a river. The river is God’s grace and the spiritual disciplines place us in the river – into the path of his grace.
Another helpful analogy is electricity. God is the source of all power, but the spiritual disciplines plug us into that power.
The spiritual disciplines themselves are not the source of God’s grace and power, but rather they help us remain connected to God so that his grace and power can flow into our lives.
Jesus uses the analogy of a vine in John 15:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4 (NIV)
Jesus uses this metaphor of a vine and branches to describe an intimate, ongoing relationship with him. We need to remain in a continual, close, dependent relationship with Jesus in order to grow and be fruitful.
The word “remain”, sometimes translated as “abide”, comes from the Greek word μείνατε or meínate which carries the idea of staying, dwelling, continuing and remaining closely connected. It describes a deep, ongoing relationship, not an occasional check-in.
Importantly, the word meínate implies relying on God, rather than striving through self-effort.
Another thing to note is the word meínate is the imperative form of the verb – it is an instruction or command, not a suggestion or an optional extra. Remaining in him is essential if we want to grow spiritually and bear “much fruit”.
Spiritual disciplines help us cultivate that ongoing connection with Jesus.
Why are spiritual disciplines important?
As we have seen already, spiritual growth does not happen by accident. It happens when we spend time with God.
But “time with God” does not happen accidentally either.
Without intentionally creating time and space for God, our lives are all too easily shaped by the world: hurry, distraction, noise and worldly values that pull us away from God.
Spiritual disciplines gently counter these forces by helping us slow down, refocus our hearts and minds, and intentionally reorient our lives around God.
One helpful way to think of spiritual disciplines is like a trellis in a garden. A trellis doesn’t make a plant grow, but rather it supports growth. A trellis helps guide the plant in the right direction and creates the conditions for healthy growth and fruitfulness.
In the same way, spiritual disciplines support our spiritual growth. They don’t “produce” spiritual growth. Only God can truly transform us. But spiritual disciplines help guide us in the right direction and create the conditions for healthy spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Over time, spiritual disciplines help us:
- Grow in our faith and our relationship with God
- Become more in tune with God: his heart, his voice and his will
- Be shaped by God and his Word, not “the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2)
- Become wiser, more loving, more joyful and more peaceful
- Grow in Christlikeness
- Bear “much fruit” (John 15:4)
The Bible repeatedly emphasises that we should be intentional about spiritual growth.
Paul writes to Timothy:
“Train yourself to be godly.” – 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
Notice that Paul uses the language of physical training. Just as physical fitness develops through repeated practice over time, spiritual maturity also develops through regular habits and rhythms – through regular “training” and “discipline”.
Of course, spiritual growth is not about “trying harder” in our own strength. Ultimately, it is God who changes us. But spiritual disciplines create space for us to meet with God consistently and be shaped by him over time.
James puts it beautifully:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 (ESV)
Drawing near to God is one of the greatest joys in the Christian life. And while God’s grace is always available to us, the spiritual disciplines help us intentionally create space to draw near to him, know him more fully and enjoy deeper intimacy with him.
They slow us down. They quiet the noise. And they help us fix our eyes back on Jesus.
And, over time, God uses them to transform us from the inside out.
READ MORE >>> Why are spiritual disciplines important?
What are the core spiritual disciplines?
Below are the core spiritual disciplines this website covers (or will cover in the future). Each one shapes a different aspect of our relationship with God.
It is important to point out that there is no fixed list of “all the spiritual disciplines” or even “the most important spiritual disciplines”.
In fact, even Christian authors who have published books on spiritual disciplines present different lists of what they consider the essential spiritual disciplines.
For the purpose of this website and this list, I have defined spiritual disciplines as:
A spiritual practice that is either explicitly commanded in Scripture or clearly expected by Scripture AND which requires discipline to put it into practice.
Or in other words a spiritual discipline is something the Bible tells us we should “do” but which does not always come naturally to us, and so we have to “discipline” ourselves to do it.
Prayer
Prayer is and ongoing conversation with God – speaking, listening and being present with him.
Prayer forms dependence, trust and intimacy with God. It aligns our hearts with his will, and it reminds us that we are not self-sufficient and that God delights in hearing from his children.
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
READ MORE >>> Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline
NEXT STEP >>> The 30 Day Prayer Challenge
Reading the Bible
Reading the Bible is the practice of regularly spending time in God’s Word.
Reading Scripture is how we learn to hear God’s voice, understand his character and be shaped by his truth. It teaches, corrects, encourages and points us to Jesus.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
READ MORE >>> Reading The Bible as a Spiritual Discipline
NEXT STEP >>> The 30 Day Bible Reading Challenge
Fasting
Fasting is intentionally going without food (or something else) for a period of time in order to focus more fully on God, strengthen our prayers, seek guidance and/or humble ourselves before God.
Fasting teaches dependence on God, exposes the things that control us and creates space for prayer, repentance and deeper hunger for God.
“When you fast…” – Matthew 6:16 (NIV)
READ MORE >>> Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
NEXT STEP >>> The 30 Day Fasting Challenge
Fellowship
Fellowship is intentionally sharing life, faith and community with other Christians.
We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. Through fellowship Christians encourage each other, strengthen each other, support each other and motivate each other.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24–25 (NLT)
READ MORE >>> Fellowship as a Spiritual Discipline
NEXT STEP >>> The 30 Day Fellowship Challenge
Evangelism
Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through our words, actions and how we live our everyday lives.
Evangelism helps us grow in courage, compassion and obedience as we join in with God’s mission to seek and save the lost.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
READ MORE >>> Evangelism as a Spiritual Discipline
NEXT STEP >>> The 30 Day Evangelism Challenge
Worship
Worship is responding to who God is and everything he has done for us with love, praise, honour and devotion.
Worship is not just singing on Sundays – it is a lifestyle of prioritising and honouring God above all else, through a life of obedience, service and sacrifice.
Worship reorients our hearts towards God and reminds us who he is. It shifts our focus away from ourselves and onto his greatness and goodness.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Memorising Scripture
Memorising Scripture is intentionally learning verses and passages of Scripture off by heart, so that God’s Word is stored in our hearts and minds.
Scripture memory allows God’s Word to dwell in us deeply, shaping our thoughts and actions. It strengthens us in temptation and helps us remember God’s truth throughout the day. And it transforms us by the renewing of our minds – so we become more like Jesus and less like the world.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”– Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
Simplicity
Simplicity is the spiritual discipline of intentionally choosing to live with less: fewer material possessions, but also less distraction and “busyness”.
Simplicity helps free our hearts from consumerism and endless striving so we can focus more fully on God and what truly matters.
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15 (NIV)
Generosity
Generosity is freely giving our time, money, possessions and resources for the good of others and the glory of God.
Generosity loosens the grip of greed and teaches us to trust God as our provider. It reflects God’s own generous heart.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35 (NIV)
Service
Service is using our time, gifts and abilities to help and bless others.
Serving teaches humility, love and selflessness. It helps us become more like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve.
“Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Celebration
Celebration is intentionally rejoicing in God’s goodness, faithfulness and blessings.
Celebration cultivates joy, gratitude and delight in God. It reminds us that the Christian life is not just about duty, but also delight.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Quiet time
Quiet Time is intentionally setting aside regular time to be with God through prayer, Scripture and reflection.
In a noisy, distracted world, quiet time helps us slow down, reconnect with God and keep him at the centre of our lives.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Studying the Bible
Studying the Bible goes deeper than simply reading it. It involves carefully examining Scripture in order to understand its meaning and apply it faithfully.
Bible study helps us grow in wisdom, discernment and spiritual maturity. It helps us better understand God’s truth and put it into practice in our lives.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Journaling
Journaling is writing down prayers, reflections, struggles, insights and what God is teaching us.
While not a discipline mentioned by name in the Bible, we only have the Bible because God’s people faithfully wrote down what God said and did throughout history.
Journaling helps us process our thoughts, notice God’s faithfulness and remember what he has been doing in our lives.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” – Psalm 77:11 (NIV)
Social justice
Social justice is caring for the poor, vulnerable and oppressed in ways that reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy.
This discipline reminds us that loving God also means loving people and seeking the good of others.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Silence and solitude (unplugging)
Silence and solitude involve intentionally withdrawing from noise, busyness and distraction to be alone with God.
These practices help us slow down, listen to God and become more aware of his presence.
These twin practices are even more important in our busy modern lives where distraction and noise are everywhere.
One way we can practice Silence and Solitude in the 21st century is by deliberately going without our digital devices or “unplugging” for a period of time, so we can spend time focused 100% on God and his Word.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16 (NIV)
Christian meditation (Lectio Divina)
Christian meditation is the discipline of slowly and prayerfully reflecting on Scripture and God’s truth in order to fill our minds and hearts with him.
One specific type of Christian Meditation that has experienced something of a revival in recent times is Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and reflecting on Scripture slowly and attentively. Rather than rushing through the Bible, Lectio Divina invites us to linger with God’s Word and listen for what he may be saying to us.
Unlike emptying the mind, Christian meditation focuses the mind on God’s Word, helping truth sink deeply into our hearts.
“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” – Psalm 1:1–2 (NIV)
Learning
Learning is intentionally growing in wisdom and understanding through reading Christian books, listening to Christian preaching and learning more about God and different aspects of faith from those Christian writers and preachers.
The spiritual discipline of learning can deepen our faith, challenge our thinking and help us grow in spiritual maturity.
“The wise store up knowledge…” – Proverbs 10:14 (NIV)
Hospitality
Hospitality is warmly welcoming and caring for others in our homes.
Hospitality reflects God’s welcome towards us and creates space for love, service, fellowship and spiritual growth.
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)
Sabbath
Sabbath is the discipline of stopping – of regularly setting aside time to rest, worship and delight in God.
Sabbath reminds us that God is in control. It teaches us to stop striving and trust God in God’s provision.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” – Exodus 20:8 (NIV)
Humility
Humility is intentionally lowering ourselves before God and others, recognising our dependence on God and putting others before ourselves.
Humility helps us become more teachable, more servant-hearted and more like Jesus.
It frees us from pride and self-sufficiency and helps us walk closely with God in obedience and grace.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Gratitude
Gratitude is the practice of intentionally noticing and thanking God for his goodness and provision.
Thankfulness shifts our focus away from what we lack and helps cultivate joy, contentment and trust in God.
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
READ MORE >>> What are the core spiritual disciplines?
How to begin practicing spiritual disciplines
After reading such a long list of spiritual disciplines, it can feel overwhelming.
How is it possible to incorporate so many different activities into a normal, 21st century life?
Surely there are not enough hours in the day!
Should we all become monks?
The answer is not to try and do everything all at once.
Given time and practice, many of these disciplines can be incorporated into everyday life and become second nature.
Some of these disciplines – such as simplicity, unplugging and sabbath will create the space and time needed to do the more “active” disciplines – such as prayer, reading the Bible and Christian meditation.
But it would be completely impossible to start doing all of these disciplines all at once!
The best way to begin practicing spiritual disciplines is to start small and grow gradually…
- Choose one discipline that you want to grow in
- Start small – perhaps just 10 minutes a day
- Practice consistency – faithfully commit to showing up every day
- Trust God with the results
- Over time that discipline will become a habit – something that is second nature to you
- Choose another discipline to focus on and repeat the process
READ MORE >>> How to begin practising the spiritual disciplines
Your next step: The 30 Day Challenges
To facilitate the method of incorporating spiritual disciplines into you life that I advise above, I have developed a series of 30 Day Challenges.
Each 30 Day Challenge focuses on just ONE spiritual discipline for 30 days.
By the end of the 30 days, not only will you have grown in that discipline and in your faith, but hopefully that spiritual discipline will have become a habit – something that is second nature to you.
And once you have completed one 30 Day Challenge, you can then focus on another, so that, over time, all of these spiritual disciplines can become incorporated into everyday life – without you having to find more than 24 hours in the day or become a monk!
To find out more about the challenges, head here: The 30 Day Challenges
Recommended books on spiritual disciplines
- Celebration Of Discipline – Richard Foster
- Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life – Donald S. Whitney
- Habits Of Grace – David Mathis
- Practising The Way – John Mark Comer
- Spirit Of The Disciplines – Dallas Willard
READ MORE >>> Recommended books on spiritual disciplines
Pin this article
Scripture copyright and permissions
For information about the Bible translations used on this website and their copyright notices, please see the Scripture copyright and permissions page.
