Spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Bible study are ways to grow closer to God. Today, we’ll see how Scripture encourages these practices for a deeper relationship with Him.
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What Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Disciplines
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
This verse encourages believers to approach their spiritual walk with discipline and commitment, just as athletes do in order to receive a temporal prize. However, our discipline is not for temporary gain but for eternal rewards that come from faithfully pursuing a relationship with God.
The spiritual discipline of intentional training and perseverance is necessary for us to grow deeper in our faith and continually strive for the heavenly prize.
Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of secret and intimate prayer. It reminds us that prayer is not meant to be a show for others but a personal, private conversation with our Heavenly Father.
Engaging in the spiritual discipline of prayer helps to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and in the secret place of prayer, we can experience the reward of God’s presence and guidance.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse highlights the significance of engaging with God’s Word, the Bible. It depicts Scripture as a guiding light, illuminating our path and providing direction in our lives.
By regularly studying and meditating on God’s Word, we can better understand His will and navigate life’s challenges, making the discipline of Scripture reading an essential aspect of our spiritual journey.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
This verse encourages believers to exercise the spiritual discipline of trust in God, especially during times of fear and uncertainty.
By placing our trust in God, we acknowledge His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness, allowing Him to calm our anxious hearts and lead us through any difficult circumstances we may face.
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
This verse calls for believers to engage in the spiritual discipline of intercessory prayer, praying for others and their needs. It reminds us to be mindful of the needs of fellow believers and to consistently lift them up in prayer.
By practicing the discipline of intercession, we demonstrate our love and care for others, as well as align our hearts with God’s desire to see His people flourish and experience His blessings.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not only hearing or reading God’s Word but also living it out. It underscores the spiritual discipline of obedience to Scripture.
To truly grow in our faith, we must not only gain knowledge of God’s Word but also apply its teachings in our daily lives, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse highlights the spiritual discipline of worship as a means of both honoring and expressing gratitude to God.
When we engage in worship, whether through songs, psalms, or hymns, we create an atmosphere that invites the presence of God and allows His message to dwell richly among us, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to cultivate the spiritual discipline of positive and uplifting thinking. It prompts us to intentionally focus our minds on thoughts that align with God’s character and values.
By disciplining our thought life, we guard against negativity, fear, and destructive patterns of thinking, allowing God’s truth and goodness to shape our perspectives and attitudes.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse calls believers to the spiritual discipline of renewing their minds. It urges a transformation in our thoughts, desires, and values, that aligns with God’s will instead of conforming to the worldly patterns.
Through the discipline of renewing our minds, we gain discernment and clarity in recognizing and following God’s will, experiencing the fullness of His good and perfect plans for our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse emphasizes the spiritual discipline of wholehearted trust in God and surrendering our own wisdom and understanding.
By submitting every aspect of our lives to God’s will, we acknowledge His sovereignty and surrender our desires and plans, allowing Him to guide and direct our paths in ways that surpass our own limited understanding.
Hebrews 10:25
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse highlights the importance of the spiritual discipline of regular fellowship and gathering with other believers.
Meeting together as a community of faith provides opportunities for encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. It reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone but to support and uplift one another as we await the return of Christ.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse encourages believers to practice the spiritual discipline of surrendering our anxieties and worries to God.
By entrusting our cares to Him, we acknowledge His loving care and faithfulness to carry our burdens. This discipline allows us to experience God’s peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This verse highlights the spiritual discipline of deliberately choosing a godly lifestyle and immersing ourselves in God’s Word.
By consistently meditating on and delighting in God’s law, we position ourselves to experience His blessings and experience spiritual growth, while guarding against the influences and temptations of the world.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
This verse underscores the importance of the spiritual discipline of memorizing and internalizing God’s Word.
By storing God’s Word in our hearts, we equip ourselves to withstand temptation and enable the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance the truth and guidance we need to live a life that honors and pleases God.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse prompts believers to cultivate the spiritual discipline of prioritizing eternal treasures over earthly possessions and pursuits.
By focusing our hearts and minds on heavenly treasures, such as love, kindness, and eternal rewards, we guard against materialism and find true fulfillment in seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
This verse urges believers to practice the spiritual discipline of submitting to God and resisting the temptations of the enemy.
By drawing near to God through prayer, worship, and repentance, we position ourselves to experience His presence and protection, while actively renouncing sin and embracing a lifestyle of purity and devotion to Him.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse highlights the spiritual discipline of cultivating the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
By consistently yielding to the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we develop Christlike qualities that reflect God’s nature and bring glory to Him, while also positively impacting the lives of those around us.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse encourages believers to engage in the spiritual discipline of guarding and protecting our hearts.
By being intentional about what we allow into our hearts and minds, we ensure that our thoughts, attitudes, and actions align with God’s truth, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse highlights the spiritual discipline of placing our hope and trust in the Lord.
When we anchor our hope in God, we find renewed strength, resilience, and perseverance, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges and walk in endurance without growing weary or faint.
Mark 8:34
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. It calls believers to the spiritual discipline of self-denial and wholeheartedly following Jesus.
Surrendering to Christ requires intentionally putting aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans, actively choosing to follow Him, and embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with it.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
This verse reiterates the call to self-denial and daily commitment to follow Jesus as a spiritual discipline.
Choosing to take up our cross daily implies a constant surrender of our lives and will to God, faithfully seeking to align our thoughts, actions, and decisions with His perfect plan and purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
This verse emphasizes the spiritual discipline of exercising power, love, and self-discipline by the enabling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
By relying on the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live in victory, express love towards others, and exercise self-control, enabling us to live out our faith effectively.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse invites believers to practice the spiritual discipline of asking God to cleanse and renew our hearts and spirits.
By regularly seeking God’s purification and renewal, we position ourselves to experience spiritual transformation, grow in holiness, and walk in steadfastness and devotion to Him.