The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
- Illuminate the Truth
- Dec 19, 2025
- 5 min read
By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.
Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.
In this post, we’re unpacking a topic essential to every believer’s journey: spiritual disciplines. What are they? Why do we practice them? And how do they shape us into the likeness of Christ?
What Are Spiritual Disciplines?
1 Timothy 4:7 tells us, “Discipline yourselves for the purpose of godliness.”
Don Whitney defines spiritual disciplines as “the practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers. They are activities—things to do.”
That’s the key: Spiritual disciplines are not empty rituals or a checklist to impress God. They are habits of grace—rhythms that position our hearts to receive what God is already offering. These practices are about being shaped, not just doing tasks.
When we feel spiritually dry, distant, or stuck, it’s often because these vital rhythms have been neglected. Not as punishment, but because God designed these practices to draw us near to Him—and without them, we drift.
Why They Matter
Spiritual disciplines:
Mature us
Shape our hearts
Draw us closer to Christ
Train us to reflect Him in everyday life
Just as athletes must train their bodies, believers must train their hearts.
We cannot expect to grow in Christlikeness if we only engage God on Sunday mornings. Walking with Him takes intention, sacrifice, and consistency.
Common Spiritual Disciplines Found in Scripture
Below are some of the core disciplines practiced by believers throughout Scripture. Each one is a means of grace God uses to transform us.
1. Bible Reading & Scripture Meditation
The Bible is God’s Word—His voice, His instruction, His comfort, His correction.
Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”
Reading Scripture anchors us in truth in a world full of noise and confusion.
Ways to practice:
Daily Bible reading (even a short passage matters)
Meditating on a single verse throughout the day
Memorizing Scripture
Studying an entire book of the Bible
It’s not about racing through chapters or completing reading plans—though those can help. It’s about intimacy, not accomplishment.
2. Prayer
If Scripture is where God speaks to us, prayer is where we speak to God—and love Him back.
Prayer is an ongoing conversation, an expression of dependence and trust.
Philippians 4:6 reminds us:“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything… present your requests to God.” Sometimes we pray but don’t release our burdens. True prayer leaves them in God’s hands.
Prayer can be:
Spoken
Silent
Written
Ongoing throughout the day
Emotional or wordless (the Holy Spirit intercedes!)
The point is not perfection, but connection.
3. Worship
Worship is far more than music. It is a posture of the heart, a life oriented toward God’s glory.
Romans 12:1 reminds us that our whole lives are an act of worship.
Ways to worship:
Singing to the Lord
Thankfulness throughout the day
Obedience to God’s leading
Acknowledging His presence
Praising Him in suffering and in blessing
Worship shifts our eyes off ourselves and onto Him.
4. Fasting
Fasting is one of the most overlooked but powerful disciplines. It is voluntarily giving up something—often food—to sharpen our spiritual hunger.
Fasting declutters the soul. It reminds us that God alone satisfies.
It can be:
A full-day fast
Skipping a meal
Fasting from caffeine
Fasting from social media or entertainment
The key is this:Whatever time or space fasting creates, fill it intentionally with God—not just emptiness.
Discernment matters, too. Those who are pregnant, managing medical conditions, or unable to fast from food can still fast in meaningful, healthy ways.
5. Fellowship & Community
We were never meant to grow alone.
Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us not to neglect meeting together, because community strengthens us, anchors us, and keeps us accountable.
Christian community helps us:
Confess sin
Receive encouragement
Share burdens
Celebrate God’s work
Stay grounded in truth
The bond between believers is supernatural—something only the Spirit can create. One step of courage (visiting a group, joining a church team, starting a conversation) can change your life.
6. Service
Service forms humility within us and reflects the heart of Jesus, who washed His disciples’ feet.
Serving is not about convenience—it’s about love.
Serving may look like:
Helping at church
Caring for the poor
Using your spiritual gifts
Serving your family with patience
Being available to others
Self-focus is miserable. Serving others brings joy and shapes our hearts to mirror Christ.
7. Solitude & Silence
This discipline is becoming more important than ever.
Jesus often withdrew to be alone with the Father.
Silence allows our souls to settle and makes room for God’s voice.
Practice:
A few quiet minutes each morning
Turning off notifications
Sitting in silence with the Lord
Journaling what He’s teaching you
Solitude renews our spirit.
Why These Disciplines Matter
Spiritual disciplines don’t make God love us more — they make us more aware of His love. They help us grow, mature, and become more like Christ.
When we practice these consistently, we:
Strengthen our faith
Experience deeper joy
Walk in obedience
Resist temptation
Grow in intimacy with God
Learn to rely on Him in every season
They’re not about perfection — they’re about pursuit.
Practical Tips To Get Started
Here are simple ways to begin:
Choose one or two disciplines to focus on this week.
Start small — 5 minutes of prayer, one Psalm, one act of service.
Stay consistent over being impressive.
Invite the Holy Spirit into the process.
Give yourself grace. Growth takes time.
A Final Encouragement
Wherever you are in your walk—whether you’re thriving, growing, struggling, or dry—God invites you closer. Our prayer is that this conversation encourages you to build rhythms that draw you closer to Jesus and strengthen your walk with Him.
Remember — spiritual disciplines are not burdens; they are blessings.
They are invitations from a loving God who wants to meet with you.
Until next time, keep walking in the light of truth. 💛
If you are interested in exploring Spiritual Disciplines on a deeper level, we recommend this book by Donald S Whitney. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Buy here on Amazon. (this is an affiliate link)
🎧 Listen to Episode 25: "Spiritual Disciplines"
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