Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

An excellent overview of the essential Christian disciplines. The way Whitney describes and explains each discipline using analogies, personal stories, and biblical examples is incredibly helpful. One of the best things about the book is it’s accessibility. Whether you are just beginning to study and apply the disciplines or you’ve been doing so for years, Whitney provides helpful tips, encouragement, and exhortation that will inspire you to continue on the path of the disciplined Christian life.

This is a book my church read for our Sunday teaching time. Our pastor and one of our other teachers led discussion of most of the chapters after the assigned reading. Whitney addresses the spiritual disciplines in use by the Christian church where he finds Scriptural warrant. So, in reading this book, one may find a particular discipline in use by one of the Christian traditions that is not here addressed. One other point Whitney makes is the purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines is "for the purpose of Godliness". And he repeats this, in all of the chapter titles.

Chapters include: Spiritual Disciplines..., Bible Intake..., Prayer..., Worship..., Evangelism..., Serving..., Stewardship..., Fasting..., Silence and Solitude..., show more Journaling..., Learning..., and Perseverance. Three of these disciplines seem to receive little treatment by the Western church in modern times. I have not heard much preached or seen much written on Fasting, Silence, or Journaling, even though I believe they are important, and are both encouraged in Scripture. I understand that, perhaps, the others are more important, or receive greater Biblical treatment, but I do appreciate their inclusion.

I want to make note of three aspects of Whitney's book. First, I especially appreciate the inline references and allusions to Scripture text. This makes it easier to find the context. Secondly, I appreciate his conversational, pastoral, style. He did serve in pastoral ministry for 19 years, and that does come through in his writing. It is encouraging to hear both the authority of scripture and the passion of experience. Finally, Whitney provides resources for additional benefit. He mentions various texts, titles and authors in supporting his commendations, and these are further footnoted and indexed in the appendices. show less

Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Donald Whitney is a must read book for every believer.

Spiritual disciplines are practices every follower of Christ should seek to make a part of their lives, from the disciplines we are used to hearing about such as Bible intake, prayer, serving, and evangelism, to other disciplines such as journaling and fasting.

I was so glad Whitney included journaling as a spiritual discipline, which is so often forgotten but so transformative in our Christian walk.

I especially appreciate how he speaks of the spiritual disciplines as being like “channels of God’s transforming grace” in describing how God’s grace comes to help and change us. Likewise, the book also reminds us about how to best show more view the spiritual disciplines: not as “drudgery” but “with the goal of Godliness in mind.”

I highly recommend this book. show less

Summary: Those who have placed their faith in Christ will naturally pursue holiness since that is an expected work of the Holy Spirit within them. The issue becomes the process by which a believer grows in holiness. This sanctification is brought about by the Spiritual Disciplines. The Spiritual Disciplines are practices ordained by God in His word which the Holy Spirit uses to conform the children of God into the image of His Son. They are a means to godliness. When a believer remembers that, they are not a burden but a joyful path to freedom in Christ. The first, and primary spiritual discipline is Bible intake. We hear God's word, we read God's word, and we study God's word. Each of these aspects has practical components that can be show more employed. Continuing that theme, we memorize God's word which allows us to meditate upon Scripture which allows the power of the truth of God to thoroughly infuse us. This is hard but necessary work. This leads us to obedience in application. Pray is second only to Bible reading in shaping a believer. It is a discipline that requires consistent application and diligent learning. We learn to pray through practice, through meditation on Scripture, through others, and through study. Inevitably, God will answer in a way good for us and glorifying to Him.

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This book was recommended by a pastor at my church when the small group I attend wanted to learn more about spiritual disciplines. Whitney covers twelve of them in this book: Scripture Readings, Prayer, Worship, Scripture Meditation, Evangelism, Serving, Stewardship, Scripture Application, Fasting, Silence & Solitude, Journaling, and Learning. Practicing these, says Whitney, will help a person grow in godliness.

I learned a lot from studying this book. It is especially good for a group study. We finished it up last week, but there are still many lessons I want to apply to my life. I highly recommend this title.

Very helpful and balanced (doing these things as mere duty will be useless) look at a number of disciplines that a believer will gain benefit from. A few of the practices were quite new ideas for me and have challenged me significantly. Very worthwhile.

Excellent! Discipline has nearly become a dirty word but it is the only way to true freedom. This book is extremely practical in helping cultivate a truly rich and authentic spiritual life.