Are the spiritual disciplines in the Bible? What benefit are the spiritual disciplines?

what does the bible say?

Spiritual disciplines are intentional practices, such as prayer, fasting, and Scripture study, that nurture spiritual growth and deepen one's relationship with God. Many spiritual disciplines can be taken from Scripture. In the Old Testament, we see the importance of setting aside a time for Sabbath (Exodus 16:23), actively listening to God (1 Samuel 3:9), and studying God’s word so as to live in a godly way (Psalm 119:11). Jesus also exemplified spiritual practices such as fasting (Matthew 6:16), worship (Matthew 26:30), solitude with the Father (Mark 1:35), and humble service (John 13:12, 14). Later in the New Testament, other spiritual disciplines are modeled, such as celebration of God (Acts 4:21), humble submission (Ephesians 5:21), faithful and continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and fellowship with the family of God (Hebrews 10:25).

from the old testament

The Sabbath was instituted as a day of rest and worship for the Israelites, reflecting God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11). The Israelites were called to follow the Sabbath as a spiritual discipline, dedicating it to rest and worship as a sign of their covenant with God (Exodus 31:13, Isaiah 58:13-14). Although Jesus is our Sabbath rest, it's still a good idea to take a break from our business and spend time with God (Exodus 16:23).Actively listening to God and asking Him to speak is a spiritual discipline we can exercise like Samuel did to submit to God and His authority in our life: "Speak, LORD, for your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:9).Studying the Bible helps us to know God better and to know how to live in light of that: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

from the new testament

Jesus fasted for worship and as a spiritual discipline (Matthew 6:16).Singing praise songs is often a way we can express God’s goodness (Matthew 26:30). Expressions of worship can take other forms, such as serving others, giving, meditating on Scripture, and living a life that reflects God’s love and holiness.Creating a place of solitude so we can focus on God is something that Jesus often modeled in His life that we should model too: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (Mark 1:35).Service should be part of a Christian’s daily walk. "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he [Jesus] said to them, '…If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet'" (John 13:12, 14).It is good to celebrate the blessings God has given us: "And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened" (Acts 4:21).Submission is often a humbling experience and is a specific type of service—finding what another needs and bowing our will to it (Ephesians 5:21).Praying “without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is a spiritual discipline that is important for our growing intimacy with God.Living in community with the church is essential to the Christian life so that we can encourage (and be encouraged) by our spiritual family in Christ (Hebrews 10:25).

implications for today

"Spiritual disciplines" are lists of activities that various authors have culled from the Bible to help us become more spiritually mature. While the Bible does guide us as to how to live a Christian life, spiritual disciplines are not prescriptive in the Bible. Instead, we see a variety of spiritual disciplines. Various biblical figures practiced spiritual disciplines, each reflecting a personal devotion to God and a desire to align with His will. For example, prayer is exemplified throughout Scripture, with Jesus often retreating to pray (Mark 1:35) and heartfelt prayers of praise, lament, and petition in the Psalms. Fasting is another discipline, seen in the lives of Moses (Exodus 34:28), Daniel (Daniel 9:3), and Jesus Himself (Matthew 4:2), as an act of dependence and humility before God. Studying Scripture is emphasized through figures like Ezra, who devoted himself to the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10), and Paul, who encouraged believers to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in them (Colossians 3:16). Worship is highlighted in the lives of David, who praised God through psalms and songs (Psalm 95:1-7), and the early church, which gathered regularly to worship together (Acts 2:42-47). Serving others is demonstrated in Jesus' teaching and actions, as He washed His disciples' feet (John 13:14-15) and called His followers to love and serve one another (Mark 10:45). These disciplines allow believers to draw closer to God while shaping their lives in His likeness.

Spiritual disciplines are not meant to be legalistic rules but tools that bring us closer to God. Strict or even casual adherence to any of the disciplines is not necessary for salvation. We are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines in our daily lives, not as empty rituals but as ways to draw closer to God, reflect His character, and live out His purposes in the world. God will use our time with Him as we practice these spiritual disciplines to deepen our relationship with Him and to transform us to be more like Christ.