Spiritual Disciplines — Prayer, Fasting, Worship
The means of grace every Christian tradition prescribes, and the rhythms that hold a life with God.
The historic Christian consensus universally affirms that the spiritual disciplines—chiefly prayer, fasting, and corporate worship—are essential components of the believer’s life and devotion,. Across the vast spectrum of Christian history, from the earliest Apostolic Fathers to the theologians of the Reformation and beyond, these practices are not viewed as meritorious works that earn salvation, but rather as the necessary and vital fruits of a living faith,. True piety requires that faith must manifest itself as an active principle, characterised by a willing obedience to the commandments of God, prompted by deep love and gratitude to the Saviour.
By the end of this lesson
- Identify the three disciplines Jesus assumes ("when you give … when you pray … when you fast")
- Trace the early church's rhythm of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer
- Distinguish disciplines as means of grace from disciplines as merit
- Plan a sustainable daily rhythm of prayer + Scripture + community
Scripture
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