For many people, the Bible is one of the first ways to acquaint yourself with who God is. Through the 66 books in the Old and New Testaments, we can see God at work—bringing mankind and the rest of creation to life, caring for them before and after the fall, and sending His Son, Jesus, to earth to save us. In this text, we witness God’s attributes: His love, His power, His justice, His compassion, and so many more.

If you’re new to reading the Bible, starting small and starting slow is a great way to go. Reflecting and meditating on biblical texts is crucial for nurturing your spiritual health and maturity. Pick one of the Gospels, like the book of Mark, and go through each chapter little by little, considering what you read—and what you learn about God—as you progress. 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

When we read the Bible, we learn about God. But prayer, guided by the Holy Spirit, turns our knowledge of who God is into a conversational relationship with Him. When we pray, we have the opportunity to connect with God in so many ways—we can worship Him for who He is and the good things He’s done, we can invite Him into our lives by telling Him about our successes and our struggles, we can align our hearts with His, and we can ask Him for guidance and other things we need in the days ahead. 

If you’re new to prayer, again, starting small and starting slow is a good idea. Set aside five minutes, find a quiet space, and use the time to worship God, thank Him, and ask Him for help.

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 ESV

Many of us are so busy, it can be difficult to find the time or space to make room for our relationship with God. And that’s where the spiritual practice of slowing comes into play. When we choose to slow down and rest, we push back against the speed of everything going on around us in order to focus on God and recognize God’s presence in our lives.

There are many different ways you can choose to slow down. You can schedule fewer activities, or turn off all electronic screens for an afternoon, or drive the speed limit. The change might feel strange or difficult at first, but as you lean into your relationship with God during the time you’ve set aside for yourself, you’ll find freedom as you go.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Fasting means choosing self-denial without food for a period of time in order to connect with God. In many ways, it works similarly to slowing—by removing something from your schedule (eating), you free up time for God. But fasting comes with an added wrinkle—a growling stomach. The discomfort of fasting provides us with an added reminder that this time has a purpose.

If you’ve never fasted, it’s good to keep some things in mind. First, if you have health concerns, you should always talk to your doctor before restricting your diet. Second, don’t bite off more than you can chew (pun intended). Instead of going without food for days, try eliminating a single kind of food (like sweets) or only going without food for a part of the day (like from sunup to sundown). 

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Not everyone thinks of hospitality as one of the spiritual disciplines, but it takes practice and it makes us more like Jesus, like every other practice on this list. Hospitality means loving others the way Jesus has loved us. It requires sacrifice from us—whether in the form of time, money, or space—but it more than makes up for what it takes.

If you’re new to the practice of hospitality, know that you don’t have to open your home and cook food for dozens of strangers (although, if that sounds fun to you, more power to you). Hospitality can look like striking up a conversation with a neighbor you’ve never met, or making your church a welcoming place, or inviting someone you don’t know well to lunch. It can take whatever form you like, as long as it gives you the opportunity to show someone else the love of Jesus.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace … 1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV

Watchfulness includes cultivating a vigilant and attentive heart and mind in an effort to remain aware of God’s presence, guard against sin, and take stock of how we are doing. 

Find a quiet place and ask yourself, “How am I doing, really?” What thoughts and emotions do you find yourself going back to? 

How would you describe the state of your soul? 

Write these things down in a journal or tell a close friend or your small group. 

Before we can make progress on healing, we have to start with where we are. 

“He who truly practices watchfulness lives in a state of unceasing inner prayer. Such prayer is a weapon against every thought of evil and a bridge to union with God.”

– St. Philotheos of Sinai