Session 4 | Understanding Spiritual Disciplines
What does the word ‘discipline’ bring to mind for you? Is this a troubling word, or one you are comfortable with? Why?
Why is discipline important for a disciple of Jesus?
Two main categories of spiritual disciplines: works of mercy and works of piety. Works of piety are about learning to personally love God; works of mercy about learning to love God by loving others. Do you tend to lean towards one category over another? Why?
Works of piety include things like: reading the Bible, daily prayer, journaling, times of silence, and worship. Can you think of any other disciplines that grow your love for God?
What are your experiences with any of these disciplines?
Which of these disciplines are most interesting to you and would you like to grow in?
Works of mercy include things like: sharing our faith, serving the poor, acts of hospitality, tithing, intercessory prayer (praying for others).
Can you think of any other disciplines that grow your love for God by serving others?
What are your experiences with any of these disciplines?
Which of these disciplines are most interesting to you and would you like to grow in?