Spiritual Disciplines are practices that draw us near to God. The disciplines themselves are not the objective. What we want is to know God. Through these disciplines we draw near to God and God draws near to us.
In six lessons we examine 12 different spiritual disciplines. These are not things that we master all at once. We must gradually learn these practices. As they develop in our lives they vindicate themselves as valuable in our spiritual growth.
Pastor Art is indebted to Richard J. Foster and his book, Celebration of Discipline, for the concepts and much of the content of the lessons below.
Meditation requires a calm mind and a sharp focus on God. How do we get quiet and listen? Why pray? If Jesus prayed, it must be important for us to pray.
Fasting is the abstaining from food for a time for concentration on spiritual matters. No other means of grace has greater potential to change us than the study of God's Word.
What is the simple life? Does it take many material possessions to be happy? There is an inward simplicity. Then how do Christians deal properly with affluence?
We tend to be afraid of the quiet and solitude. There is a balance between solitude and community. Submission to God and to one another is a beautiful thing. Service to God and each other in small and even hidden things is a great accomplishment.
Confession of sin to God and on occasion to a trusted Christian friend is scriptural. We need to confess weakness as well. The meaning of worship is examined.
God gives us guidance directly and through trusted Christian friends. The joy of celebration is the special privilege of the believer. It grows out of trust in and obedience to Christ.