19 – Spiritual Disciplines – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

In Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (page v) Richard Foster distinguishes between inward disciplines, outward disciplines and corporate disciplines. The Inward Disciplines Meditation Prayer Fasting Study The Outward Disciplines Simplicity Solitude Submission Service The Corporate Disciplines Confession … Continue reading

18 – Celebration – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“Utter delight and joy in ourselves, our life, and our world as a result of our faith and confidence in God’s greatness, beauty, and goodness.”  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice.”  —  Philippians 4:4 from A Year … Continue reading

17 – Simplicity – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“The inward reality of single-hearted focus upon God and his kingdom, which results in an outward lifestyle of modesty, openness and unpretentiousness and which disciplines our hunger for status, glamor, and luxury.” “We brought nothing into the world, so that … Continue reading

16 – Silence – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“Closing off the inner self from “sounds,” whether noise, music, or words, so that we may better still the chatter and clatter of our noisy hearts and be increasingly attentive to God.” “For God alone my soul waits in silence, … Continue reading

15 – Sacrifice – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“Deliberately forsaking the security of satisfying our own needs with our resources in the faith and hope that God will sustain us.” “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  —  … Continue reading

13 – Chastity – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“Purposefully turning away for a time from dwelling upon or engaging in the sexual dimension of our relationship to others – even our husband or wife – and thus learning how not to be governed by this powerful aspect of … Continue reading

12 – Fasting – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“The voluntary abstention from an otherwise normal function – most often eating – for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with your all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with … Continue reading

11 – Fellowship – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“Engaging with other disciples in the common activities of worship, study, prayer, celebration, and service, which sustain our life together and enlarge our capacity to experience more of God.” “The whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with … Continue reading

10 – Solitude – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

“The creation of an open, empty space in our lives by purposefully abstaining from interaction with other human beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God.” “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves … Continue reading