If you’ve spent any time reading about spiritual growth, you’ve probably come across the phrase “spiritual disciplines”. But what are the core spiritual disciplines? And which ones should Christians actually practise today?
The truth is, there is no universally agreed “official” list of spiritual disciplines. Different Christian authors include slightly different practices in their lists.
But at their heart, spiritual disciplines are simply intentional practices that help us draw closer to God, remain connected to Jesus and become more like him.
Some disciplines help us connect with God inwardly and personally, while others shape the way we live outwardly towards others. Some are practised alone, and others in community.
None of these disciplines are about perfection, performance or earning God’s favour. Rather, they are tools God uses to help us grow in spiritual maturity and become more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Below are some of the core spiritual disciplines Christians have practised throughout history – and which are still deeply relevant today.
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Prayer
Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God – speaking, listening and simply being present with him.
Prayer is one of the most foundational spiritual disciplines because, just like any human relationship, our relationship with God grows through regular communication with him.
Throughout the Bible, we see God’s people crying out to him, thanking him, listening to him and bringing every part of life before him.
And Jesus himself regularly withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), taught his disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9–13) and often spent long periods alone with the Father in prayer (Mark 1:35).
Prayer can take many forms: praise, thanksgiving, confession, lament, intercession or simply sitting quietly with God. Some prayers are structured and planned, while others are spontaneous conversations throughout the day.
Over time, prayer deepens our dependence on God, strengthens our trust in him, reminds us that we are not self-sufficient and aligns our hearts with his will.
“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.
The Bible is how we come to know God’s character, understand his truth and learn what it means to follow Jesus.
Jesus himself knew the Scriptures deeply and regularly quoted them (Luke 4:16–21). He also taught that God’s Word is essential spiritual nourishment:
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” – Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
Reading Scripture does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as reading a short passage each day slowly and thoughtfully, asking:
- What does this teach me about God?
- What does this teach me about myself?
- What does this teach me about what I should do differently or change in my life?
Over time, regular Bible reading renews our minds, strengthens our faith, helps us discern truth from lies and shapes us to become more like Christ.
“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.
Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:1–2), and in the Sermon on the Mount he assumed his followers would fast too, when he said: “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16, NIV).
Fasting is not about punishing ourselves or trying to impress God. Instead, it is about temporarily laying aside something good in order to focus more intentionally on what is better.
Many Christians fast from food for a meal, a day or longer periods. Others fast from distractions such as social media, television or entertainment in order to create more space for prayer and reflection.
Fasting teaches dependence on God, exposes unhealthy attachments and reminds us that our deepest hunger can only truly be satisfied in him.
“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.
Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey. From the very beginning, believers gathered together for worship, teaching, prayer and encouragement (Acts 2:42). And Jesus himself lived in close community with his disciples, teaching and shaping them through everyday life together.
Fellowship happens when Christians intentionally encourage one another, pray together, worship together, share meals, support each other through difficulties and help one another grow spiritually.
Fellowship includes things like attending church regularly, joining a small group, meeting up with other Christians for prayer and bible study, and making time for meaningful Christian friendships.
Fellowship strengthens us, encourages us when we struggle and reminds us that we are part of the body of Christ. God often uses other believers to teach us, sharpen us and help us persevere in faith.
However, fellowship is not just for our own benefit. It’s also for the benefit of others, as we play our part in the body of Christ and use our God-given gifts to serve other Christians.
“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 the way we live our everyday lives.
Jesus commanded his followers to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19–20, NIV), and throughout the Gospels we see him constantly seeking out people far from God with compassion, truth and grace, and preaching the need to repent and turn back to God.
Evangelism is not just for pastors, missionaries or “naturally confident” Christians. Every believer is called to live as a witness to Jesus.
This does not necessarily mean preaching sermons on street corners! Often evangelism looks much more ordinary:
- Having honest conversations about faith
- Inviting someone to church
- Sharing your testimony
- Offering to pray for someone
- Loving people well and pointing them to Jesus through everyday life
Evangelism grows our courage, compassion and dependence on God. It stretches us beyond our comfort zones and reminds us that God’s heart is for 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.
While worship certainly includes singing, biblical worship is much bigger than music. Worship is a whole-life response to God.
Jesus taught that we should worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24, NIV), and Romans 12:1 describes worship as offering our whole lives to God.
Worship can include singing, prayer, thanksgiving, obedience, generosity, serving others and simply living in a way that honours God.
When we worship, our attention shifts away from ourselves and back onto God – his goodness, holiness, faithfulness and love. Worship reorients our hearts and reminds us who is truly at the centre of our lives.
“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 the Bible by heart so that God’s Word is stored deeply within us.
The Bible repeatedly emphasises the importance of keeping God’s Word close to our hearts and minds (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). And Jesus himself quoted Scripture regularly, including when he was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).
Scripture memory does not need to be complicated. You can start with a single verse, repeat it throughout the day, write it down, pray through it and revisit it regularly until it sticks.
Memorising scripture strengthens us in temptation, renews our thinking, encourages us in difficult seasons and helps us carry God’s truth with us wherever we go.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”– Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
Simplicity
Simplicity is intentionally choosing to live with less: fewer possessions, fewer distractions and less unnecessary busyness.
Jesus repeatedly warned against greed, materialism and becoming consumed by worldly concerns (Luke 12:15).
Simplicity pushes back against the constant pressure to spend more, accumulate more, and do more.
Practising simplicity might involve decluttering, spending less, reducing commitments, limiting distractions or intentionally slowing down.
Simplicity helps free our hearts from endless striving so we can focus more fully on God and the things that truly matter. And it creates space for prayer, relationships, rest and spiritual growth.
“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.
God himself is abundantly generous, and Christians are called to reflect his character. Jesus spoke often about generosity, and the early church became known for radically sharing what they had with others (Acts 4:32–35).
Generosity can look like: giving financially, supporting someone in need, sharing your home, giving your time or using your gifts to bless others.
This discipline loosens the grip of greed, teaches us to trust God as our provider and reminds us that everything we have ultimately belongs to him.
“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.
Jesus modelled servant-hearted living throughout his ministry. He washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17) and famously said that he did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Service can happen in big ways or small ways:
- Helping someone practically
- Serving at church
- Caring for family members
- Encouraging a struggling friend
- Using your skills to bless others
Serving teaches humility, compassion and selflessness. It shifts our focus away from ourselves and helps us become more like Jesus.
“Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Celebration
Celebration is intentionally rejoicing in God’s goodness, faithfulness and blessings.
The Bible is full of celebration. God’s people celebrated victories, festivals, answered prayers and God’s faithfulness throughout history. Jesus himself attended celebrations and meals with others (John 2:1–11).
Celebration might include worship, gratitude, feasting, sharing testimonies, enjoying God’s gifts or simply pausing to recognise his goodness.
This discipline cultivates joy and reminds us that Christianity is not only about sacrifice and discipline — it is also about delighting in God and his goodness.
“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 alone with God through prayer, Scripture and reflection.
Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds to spend quiet time with the Father (Mark 1:35). In our busy, noisy world, quiet time helps us slow down and reconnect with God.
A quiet time might involve reading Scripture, praying, journaling, worshipping or simply sitting quietly before God.
The goal is not checking a religious box. The goal is relationship.
Over time, quiet time helps keep God at the centre of our lives and creates healthy rhythms of spiritual nourishment.
“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.
Jesus knew the Scriptures intimately and taught their deeper meaning to his disciples and the crowd that followed him.
In the Old Testament we see many references going deeper than simply reading the Scriptures. For example:
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.” – Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
“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)
Paul also encouraged Timothy to:
“correctly handle the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).
And we see in Acts 17 that the Bereans are commended because they:
“examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11, NIV)
Bible study may include:
- Looking at context
- Comparing passages
- Using Bible commentaries or dictionaries
- Asking questions of the text
- Applying what you learn
Studying Scripture deepens understanding, strengthens discernment and helps us grow in wisdom and maturity.
“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 all the things God is teaching us.
While journaling is not specifically commanded in Scripture, the Bible itself exists because God’s people faithfully recorded what God had done and said.
Journaling can include writing prayers, recording answered prayers, reflecting on Bible passages or processing emotions and experiences with God.
This practice helps us notice patterns, remember God’s faithfulness and reflect more intentionally on our spiritual journey.
“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 is never separated from loving people. Throughout Scripture, God consistently calls his people to defend the weak, care for the marginalised and act justly in the world around them.
Jesus himself modelled this through his compassion, healing ministry and care for those society often overlooked.
Practising social justice can include advocating for the vulnerable, supporting those in poverty, serving practical needs in your community or simply choosing to act with fairness and compassion in everyday decisions.
It shapes us to become more outward-looking, less self-centred and more aligned with God’s heart for a broken world. It challenges us not to ignore injustice, but to respond with mercy, wisdom and action.
“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.
Jesus regularly modelled this rhythm, often stepping away from crowds, ministry demands and even his closest followers in order to pray and be alone with the Father.
In a world full of noise and constant input, this discipline creates space to slow down and become aware of God’s presence.
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.
Practising silence and solitude might involve turning off devices, taking a walk without distractions, spending time in quiet prayer or simply sitting before God without words.
This discipline helps quiet our inner world, reduce spiritual noise and make room to hear God more clearly. It often brings clarity, peace and renewed focus on what truly matters.
“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 simply means “divine reading,” and it invites us to approach the Bible not in a rushed or purely informational way, but in a slow, attentive and prayerful way.
Traditionally, it involves slowly reading a passage several times, reflecting on a word or phrase that stands out, responding in prayer and resting quietly in God’s presence.
Unlike many forms of secular and eastern meditation, which often focus on emptying the mind, Christian meditation focuses on filling the mind with Scripture and God’s truth.
It helps us slow down in a distracted world, quiet our thoughts and allow Scripture to move from head knowledge into heart transformation.
Over time, this kind of prayerful reflection deepens our awareness of God, strengthens our love for Scripture and shapes us to become more like Christ in everyday life.
“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 and listening to biblical teaching.
While not always listed as a “traditional” discipline, Scripture repeatedly encourages believers to grow in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Jesus himself often taught and explained truth carefully to his disciples, shaping their understanding over time.
Practising learning might include reading Christian books, listening to sermons, studying theology or seeking to understand different aspects of faith more deeply.
This discipline strengthens our minds, deepens our understanding of God’s truth and helps protect us from shallow or distorted thinking. It equips us to grow in spiritual maturity and discernment.
“The wise store up knowledge…” – Proverbs 10:14 (NIV)
Hospitality
Hospitality is warmly welcoming and caring for others in our homes and everyday lives.
In Scripture, hospitality is consistently encouraged as a natural expression of love for others.
Jesus himself often shared meals with people, welcomed outsiders and broke social barriers through eating and spending time with people their homes.
Practising hospitality might involve inviting someone into your home, sharing a meal, making space for conversation or simply being intentionally welcoming and present with others.
This discipline reflects God’s own welcoming heart towards us. It builds community, strengthens relationships and creates space for love, encouragement and spiritual growth.
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)
Sabbath
Sabbath is the discipline of stopping – regularly setting aside time to rest, worship and delight in God.
The Sabbath is commanded in Scripture as part of God’s rhythm for his people. It is a reminder that we are not defined by productivity and that God is ultimately in control.
Practising Sabbath typically includes ceasing work, stepping away from normal routines, resting physically, and spending time in worship, prayer, God’s word and fellowship.
This discipline teaches trust. It reminds us that the world does not depend on us and that God sustains all things. It brings rest to our bodies, renewal to our minds and reorientation to our hearts.
“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 is one of the most foundational Christian disciplines because pride naturally pulls us away from God, while humility draws us closer to him.
Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Jesus himself modelled perfect humility. Though he was fully God, he humbled himself by becoming human, serving others and ultimately dying on the cross for our sake (Philippians 2:5–8). He washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17), welcomed the overlooked and consistently chose servanthood over status.
Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It means recognising that everything we have comes from God and that we are not self-sufficient.
It also means being teachable, willing to repent, quick to listen and ready to serve others without needing recognition or praise.
Practising humility can look like:
- Admitting when we are wrong
- Choosing to serve others quietly
- Listening more than we speak
- Accepting correction graciously
- Giving God the credit instead of seeking attention for ourselves
Over time, humility softens our hearts, deepens our dependence on God and helps us become more like Jesus. It transforms our relationships and creates space for God to work powerfully in and through us.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Gratitude
Gratitude is intentionally thanking God for his goodness and provision.
The Bible repeatedly calls God’s people to give thanks in all circumstances. Jesus himself regularly gave thanks to the Father, even in ordinary moments.
Practising gratitude can be as simple as daily thanksgiving prayers, thanking God before meals, keeping a gratitude journal or pausing throughout the day to acknowledge God’s blessings.
This discipline reshapes our perspective. It moves us away from complaint and comparison, and towards joy, contentment and trust in God’s goodness.
Over time, gratitude trains our hearts to see God’s hand in every part of life.
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Final Thoughts
Spiritual disciplines are not about crossing tasks off a to-do list.
They are not about earning God’s love.
And they are certainly not about adding more pressure or guilt to your life.
They are simply practices that help us intentionally make space for God.
Some will come more naturally to you than others. Some seasons of life will make certain disciplines easier than others. And you do not need to practise all of them perfectly in order to grow spiritually.
The goal is not checking boxes.
The goal is knowing God more deeply and becoming more like Jesus.
READ MORE >>> Why are spiritual disciplines important for spiritual growth?
The 30 Day Challenges
To help you grow in the spiritual disciplines, 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
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