The classical path

The Spiritual Disciplines

“The disciplines are activities of mind and body purposefully undertaken to bring our personality and total being into effective cooperation with the divine order.” — Dallas Willard

Celebration

Joy as a discipline of remembrance.

Engagement

Chastity

Keeping desire in its proper home.

Abstinence

Confession

Speaking the truth that heals.

Engagement

Fasting

Hunger that uncovers the heart.

Abstinence

Fellowship

The body as a means of grace.

Engagement

Guidance

Walking under wise counsel.

Engagement

Meditation

Chewing slowly on the Word.

Engagement

Prayer

Conversation with the living God.

Engagement

Sacrifice

Out

Giving beyond what is comfortable.

Abstinence

Secrecy

Hiddenness before the Father who sees.

Abstinence

Service

Out

The towel and the basin.

Engagement

Silence

The native language of the soul.

Abstinence

Simplicity

Out

An uncluttered heart, an uncluttered life.

Abstinence

Solitude

Alone with the Alone.

Abstinence

Study

The renewing of the mind.

Engagement

Submission

The freedom of letting go.

Engagement

Worship

The fitting response to glory.

Engagement