The Practice of Spiritual Disciplines

Many people wonder if we are destined to be controlled, or do we control our destiny? Especially during turbulent times, we often feel helpless in our ability to influence outcomes that would be more favorable and more comfortable. The incorporation and practice of the spiritual disciplines listed in this study will reveal and unleash our ability to influence outcomes and find joy even during difficult times. Spiritual disciplines are concentrated elements of spiritual practices of the mind and body that increases the depth of encountering and understanding God. We all have desires that range from the most general and fundamental actions like love, companionship, and acceptance to more personal desires such as passion, professional aspirations, and a longing to know God more deeply. He has instilled in us the ability to desire completeness even when we may not know precisely what is missing from our lives. John 4:24 says, "God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth." This 13-week study accentuates the factors that facilitate growth in the Spirit, individual completeness, understanding, recognition, influence, defense, joy, and relationship. Each week offers a focus on a different element that opens us to the work of the Holy Spirit. The study can be applied individually, in a mentor relationship, or a group setting. The key is a commitment to the principles each week and recognition of the corresponding Spiritual revelation. The inclusion of familiar Spiritual Disciplines will improve the depth of your growth, some will rekindle benefits through reintroduction, while others may be new with the intent of experiencing God in newly revealing ways. The practice for this 13-week study is to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual discipline for that particular week. Record your experience in exercising the discipline, points made by your mentor or group, and a corresponding scriptural reference that corresponds with your experience. Submit your findings to your mentor or group leader. Your leader should spend about 30 minutes reviewing your experience and about an hour preparing you for the next discipline. Get ready; you are about to experience God in ways that will strengthen your faith and bolster your effectiveness in promoting His Promoting!