Deep DiscipleshipSample

A Disciple Grows in Spiritual Habits

The next indispensable element of deep discipleship is growth in spiritual habits, or spiritual disciplines. Like theology, the word disciplines might have a negative connotation, but I’d like to recast that by thinking of these disciplines as habits.

Like theology, we all have habits. And we are all formed by what we do. The habits we develop shape us into who we are. We are not just minds that need to know doctrine; we are whole people who need to learn rhythms and habits that help us live into the story of God.

If we only focus on forming our minds, we will not become deep disciples. We can’t neglect the habits, because we are not just disembodied minds, but whole people. There are two ways we can do this: through corporate habits and through individual habits.

Corporate habits are the habits and rhythms we do in community—as a whole church or perhaps as a small group. The most obvious weekly habit is gathering for worship. Consistent weekly attendance at the church gathering is an essential characteristic of a healthy disciple. Other corporate habits are intentional seasons of prayer, giving, or fasting. Is your church or your small group participating in corporate spiritual habits?

Spiritual habits should also be part of your personal discipleship plan. Not only should this include developing rhythms for the first two categories of discipleship, Bible intake and theology, but it should also include rhythms of prayer, fasting, giving, service, and more. Are you intentional about developing individual spiritual habits?

The most central and essential spiritual habit is prayer. Like consistent Bible reading, nothing can replace a life of prayer. Jesus taught his disciples—including us—how to pray in today’s Bible passage. Spend some time meditating on that passage. Pray the Lord’s Prayer and make it your own. When you pray for God’s kingdom to come, pray for specific needs in the world that are evident of the absence of God’s kingdom. When you ask for your daily bread, tell God what you need. When you ask for forgiveness, confess specific sins. Then commit not to just doing this today, but to a lifetime of prayer.