“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
“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
“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
“Prayerful rumination upon God, his Word, and his world.” “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” — Psalm 145:5 from A Year with God: Living out the Spiritual Disciplines, edited by Richard J. … Continue reading
“Experiencing an interactive friendship with God that gives direction and purpose to daily life.” “When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; … Continue reading
“Consciously refraining from having our good deeds and qualities generally known, which in turn rightly disciplines our longing for recognition.” “Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; … Continue reading
“Loving, thoughtful, active promotion of the good of others and the causes of God in our world, through which we experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves.”” “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one … Continue reading
“Expressing in words, music, rituals, and silent adoration the greatness, beauty, and goodness of God, by means of which we enter the supranatural reality of the shekinah, or glory, of God.” “Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, … Continue reading
“Sharing our deepest weaknesses and failures with God and trusted others, so that we may enter into God’s grace and mercy and experience his ready forgiveness and healing.” “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will … Continue reading
“The intentional process of engaging the mind with the written and spoken Word of God and world God has created in such a way that the mind takes on an order conforming to the order upon which it concentrates.” “Great … Continue reading
