Spiritual Disciplines

Definition and Meaning

The term "spiritual disciplines" refers collectively to the devotional habits that Christians practice regularly in order to deepen their relationship with God and grow toward a holy life. This process of growing in holiness is called sanctification. The disciplines are also known as "disciplines of godliness" or "spiritual exercises." Representative practices include prayer, Scripture reading and meditation, fasting, silence, worship, and service. Most denominations do not regard these disciplines as meritorious works that earn salvation. Instead, they describe them as a response to God's grace and as channels through which that grace is received.

Biblical and Historical Background

The passage most often cited in support is 1 Timothy 4:7: "exercise thyself rather unto godliness." Also frequently cited are Jesus' going out early in the morning to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:35) and his teaching on almsgiving, prayer, and fasting (Matthew 6:1–18).

The roots of this tradition are traced to the monastic life of the early church; the Rule of Saint Benedict, which established a rule of prayer and work; and lectio divina, the practice of reading Scripture slowly and meditatively. Within Protestantism, the devotional life of the Puritans and the Pietist movement carried this stream forward. Also well known is the practice of John Wesley and his companions at Oxford, who prayed regularly, studied Scripture, and received Holy Communion together. In the late twentieth century, the term "spiritual disciplines" spread widely in evangelical circles through the writings of American authors such as Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.

Practice in the Korean Church

Representative spiritual disciplines in the Korean church include early morning prayer meetings, tongsung kido (simultaneous audible prayer), quiet time, reading through the Bible, and handwritten copying of Scripture. Many churches incorporate spiritual disciplines into their discipleship training or small group programs. Emphases differ according to denominational tradition:

• The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterian churches, emphasizes the Word, the sacraments, and prayer as the "means of grace" ordained by God. Some within this tradition caution against becoming bound to particular methods or leaning toward mystical experience.
• Methodists, following Wesley's teaching that prayer, searching the Scriptures, the Lord's Supper, fasting, and similar practices are means of grace, place great importance on a steady devotional life.
• In Pentecostal denominations such as the Full Gospel churches, prayer practices that emphasize experience of the Holy Spirit are widespread, including gatherings at prayer retreat centers, all-night prayer, and praying in tongues.
• The Anglican Church of Korea maintains the tradition of common prayer offered at fixed times, such as Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer.

In recent years, contemplative prayer, silent prayer, and spiritual direction have been introduced and are practiced in some churches and seminaries. Critics argue that these practices risk becoming mixed with Catholic mysticism or Eastern meditation. Others counter that they represent a recovery of the church's long-standing traditions of prayer.