As we begin our “liturgy” of spiritual disciplines–a regular and intentional walking through of the nine Practices of Jesus throughout the year–it’s helpful to reflect on the wisdom of M. Robert Mulholland, an esteemed Asbury Theological Seminary professor known for his work on spiritual formation and discipleship. To center our hearts, I want to share this powerful prayer from Mulholland, reminding us that spiritual formation is not about striving but about surrender—allowing God to shape us as we walk in His ways:
“Gracious and loving God, I confess that the idea of discipline raises negative feelings and thoughts in me. Perhaps I think of discipline as punishment; it may raise dark shadows of long-forgotten and deeply buried abuse as a child. Perhaps I think of discipline as a heavy burden imposed on me by some outside agency; it may call to mind such experiences from my past. I have difficulty thinking of discipline as a positive and creative dimension of my relationship with you. I especially have difficulty seeing spiritual disciplines as a means of your grace in my life. Can’t you simply touch me at the points of my brokenness and incompleteness and make me well and whole? Help me, Lord, to receive what you have for me here. Help me to be willing to put my feet on the narrow way of the disciplines that will bring me to complete freedom in your love.”
The Rhythm of Practicing the Way
The Practices of Jesus (spiritual disciplines) follow a weekly rhythm—a balance of individual practice and reflection alongside community-based learning and processing. They are not meant to be additional burdens, rather a way to re-prioritize life around what truly matters.
These practices start small, gradually shaping your heart and habits over time. You will get what you put in. Just keep at it—no condemnation, no judgment.
And be prepared: it may get harder before it gets easier. Spiritual growth often follows what’s known as the “J-curve”—a dip before the breakthrough. If you stay faithful, you will begin to experience the deep transformation that comes from walking in the ways of Jesus.
A Progressive Journey
John Mark Comer views these Practices (spiritual disciplines) as a continuous journey—one that no one ever truly masters. Rather, spiritual formation is an ongoing process best approached as a progression. Each week, you’ll begin with the smallest step and gradually build upon it, moving closer to fully integrating the Practice into your life.
For example, with your first Practice, Sabbath, the journey begins simply by “getting off the speeding train” of life and stopping. This initial step creates space to embrace God’s rhythm by setting aside one day a week (1 in 7 days) for Sabbath. Over time, as you continue practicing, it becomes more deeply woven into the fabric of your life.
This week’s key take-away: exhaustion is a spiritual problem. Why? Because exhaustion makes it difficult to live out the Greatest Commandment, to love God and love others. Sabbath is God’s way to counter the forces create exhaustion.