By Bill Gaultiere © 2004-2010

Spiritual Disciplines are simply ways for Jesus’ disciples to pray. They facilitate honesty, grace, and soul transformation.  Jesus modeled living in a “rhythm of life“, using spiritual practices to cultivate his intimacy with the Father. The Apostles, the Psalmists, and all our Bible heroes model the importance of using spiritual exercises to “grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18).

Dallas Willard teaches that it’s important to balance our use of disciplines of abstinence and disciplines of engagement. The rhythm of the spiritual life is cross and resurrection: put off the old self and put on the new self, deny yourself and follow Christ.  Self-denial practices make space for us to embrace and live out the life of Christ.

Kristi and I practice a “rhythm of life” that includes a variety of soul training practices. In our Soul Shepherding ministry we invite pastors, ministry leaders, and all spiritual seekers to participate with us in ways of contemplative prayer and Scripture meditation.  We do this in seminars, retreats, spiritual mentoring, and psychotherapy.

Contact us if we can provide spiritual mentoring for you, your small group, or your organization.

Here is a list of some Spiritual Disciplines for your Soul.

Disciplines for Self-Denial

Benedictine Retreat

Fasting

Sabbath-Keeping

Secrecy (Doing good deeds for God alone)

Silence and Solitude

Solitude and Community

Submission

Disciplines for God-Embracing

Abiding in Prayer

Breath Prayers

Examen of Consciousness (Cultivating Awareness of God’s Presence)

Lectio Divina (Meditation on Scripture)

Play (Yes! Play is Essential for Spiritual Growth)

Praying a Psalm in its Nature Setting

Praying the Psalms

Reading the Classics of Devotion

Serving Others

Scripture Memory

Stability (Staying in Community)

Thankfulness

For more Soul Shepherding articles…

Bible Verses

Overcoming Problems

Psalm Prayers

Retreat Resources

Self-Assessment Surveys

Soul Shepherding Blog (Posts on home page)

Spiritual Growth

Thank you!