Classical Spiritual Disciplines

The classical disciplines of the Christian faith, often referred to as the “spiritual disciplines,” are practices that aim to foster spiritual growth, deepen one’s relationship with God, and cultivate a Christ-like character. These disciplines have been historically recognized and practiced throughout Christian tradition.

Here are some of the classical disciplines: prayer, study/scripture reading, meditation/contemplation, fasting, worship, simplicity, solitude, service/good works, confession, and community/fellowship. 

These disciplines are often associated with the teachings of Christian spiritual leaders and writers throughout history, such as St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and others. While different Christian traditions may emphasize these disciplines to varying degrees, they are generally considered integral to spiritual formation and growth in the Christian faith.

Today I want to focus on prayer.

Prayer:

Communication with God 

Christian prayer is a direct communication with God, involving both speaking and listening. Prayer is expressing praise, gratitude, confession, and requests. 

It involves seeking guidance, forgiveness, and aligning with God’s will. Prayer is a foundational practice in Christian worship, fostering a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

One Approach to Praying

Praying is a personal and subjective experience, but a common approach is to:

1. Begin with Praise

Acknowledging and worshiping God during prayer involves expressing reverence and adoration. Here are some ways you can incorporate this into your prayers:

A. Address God with Reverence: 

Use titles like “Heavenly Father,” “Lord,” or “Almighty God” to acknowledge God’s majesty.

B. Express Praise: 

Commend God for His attributes, such as love, mercy, wisdom, and sovereignty. You can use phrases like “You are holy” or “You are worthy of all praise.”

C. Reflect on Scripture: 

Incorporate verses from the Bible that emphasize God’s greatness and character.

D. Admire God’s Creation: 

Acknowledge the beauty and wonder of the world as a reflection of God’s creativity and power.

E. Speak from the Heart: 

Sincerely express your awe and appreciation for who God is and what He has done in your life.

Remember, the key is genuine sincerity and a heart-focused on recognizing God’s greatness.

2. Confession: 

Admitting sins and seeking forgiveness during prayer involves genuine repentance and a humble heart. Here’s a simple guide:

A. Confession:

Honestly acknowledge your mistakes and sins before God. Be specific and sincere.

B. Express Regret:

Share your remorse for any harm caused, both to others and your relationship with God.

C. Request Forgiveness:

Humbly ask God for His mercy and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

D. Commit to Change:

Express your desire for transformation and ask for God’s help in avoiding similar mistakes in the future.

E. Receive God’s Grace:

Believe and receive God’s forgiveness, trusting in His love and grace.

Remember, God is merciful and willing to forgive when we approach Him with a contrite and repentant heart.

3. Thanksgiving: 

Expressing gratitude for blessings during prayer involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. Here’s a simple guide:

A. Reflect on Blessings:

Take a moment to consider the various aspects of your life for which you are thankful.

B. Specific Thanks:

Be specific in expressing gratitude. Name particular blessings, experiences, or people you are thankful for.

C. Thank God:

Direct your thanks to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings.

D. Count Your Blessings:

Consider both big and small blessings, fostering a thankful heart.

E. Share Your Joy:

Express the joy and appreciation you feel for the blessings you’ve received.

Gratitude in prayer cultivates a positive and humble perspective, recognizing the goodness in your life and attributing it to a higher source.

4. Supplication:

Presenting requests and needs during prayer involves sharing your concerns, desires, and hopes with God. Here’s a simple guide:

A. Be Specific:

Clearly articulate your requests, specifying what you need or desire.

B. Align with God’s Will:

Express your requests while acknowledging that you trust God’s wisdom and plan.

C. Seek Guidance:

If you’re uncertain, ask for guidance and clarity in making decisions.

D. Pray for Others:

Include requests for the well-being of others, fostering a selfless attitude.

E. Express Faith:

End your requests with faith and trust in God’s ability to answer prayers in His perfect timing.

Remember, prayer is not just about asking; it’s also about building a relationship with God and aligning your will with His.

5. Closing:

Concluding with faith and trust in God’s will during prayer involves expressing confidence in God’s wisdom and surrendering your desires to His plan. Here’s a simple guide:

A. Express Trust:

Affirm your trust in God’s character, acknowledging His wisdom and love.

B. Surrender to God’s Will:

Submit your requests, desires, and plans to God, recognizing His sovereignty.

C. Pray for Acceptance:

Ask for the strength to accept God’s will, even if it differs from your own.

D. Express Gratitude:

Thank God in advance for His guidance and for working according to His perfect plan.

E. End with Amen:

Conclude your prayer with “Amen,” signifying agreement and affirmation of what has been expressed.

By concluding with faith and trust, you affirm your belief that God knows what is best and that His will is ultimately for your good.Remember, prayer is about connection and sincerity, so speak from the heart.

In its simplest form, prayer is taking to God and listening for Him answer.