22 – Spiritual Disciplines of Abstinence – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

 In discussing the spiritual disciplines of abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, sacrifice) Dallas Willard has the following to say, “In the disciplines of abstinence, we abstain to some degree and for some time from the satisfaction of what … Continue reading

21 – Spiritual Disciplines – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

 Two weeks ago we looked at Richard Foster’s grouping of the disciplines as inward, outward and corporate.  Below are some spiritual disciplines identified by Dallas Willard and a way he distinguishes the disciplines (from The Spirit of the Disciplines, page … Continue reading

20 – Gratitude – Intention on the Spiritual Journey

This past Sunday the minister mentioned the “spiritual discipline of thankfulness” in his sermon “Choose to Be Thankful” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), so this seemed an opportune time to add Thankfulness/Gratitude to our list of spiritual practices. “Gratitude is a loving … Continue reading

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