Spiritual Growth Is Formed, Not Forced

Most of us long to grow spiritually — to feel closer to God, to live with greater peace, to respond rather than react.

But spiritual growth doesn’t come from trying harder or doing more. It comes from intentionally placing ourselves where God can meet us.

Dallas Willard described spiritual disciplines as “activities we can do that enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort.” Ruth Haley Barton describes them as postures that open us to God’s transforming presence (Transforming Centre).

Spiritual disciplines are not about striving — they are about space.

And while they can absolutely be practised at home, retreats provide a powerful environment where these practices deepen, settle, and take root.

What Are Christian Spiritual Disciplines?

Christian spiritual disciplines are ancient practices that help us become more attentive to God’s presence and activity in our lives. They don’t earn God’s love. They don’t make us “better Christians.” They simply create room for God to form us gently, over time.

Below are seven disciplines that are especially helpful for all Christians — and beautifully supported in a retreat setting.

1. Silence

Silence is not empty. It is full of awareness.

In silence, the internal noise begins to settle, and we become more receptive to God’s presence.

Practising at home:

• Start with 2–5 minutes of quiet each day

• Sit comfortably and breathe slowly

• Repeat a simple prayer such as “Here I am, Lord”

Deepened on retreat: Extended silence becomes more accessible when daily distractions fall away. Many people discover clarity and peace they haven’t felt in months.

2. Solitude

Solitude is intentional time alone with God — not isolation, but connection.

Practising at home:

• Take a short solo walk

• Sit quietly before the house wakes

• Spend 10 minutes alone in prayer

Deepened on retreat: Retreats offer unbroken solitude that helps your nervous system settle, and your soul soften.

3. Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)

Lectio Divina is a slow, reflective way of reading Scripture that invites God’s Word to shape you deeply.

Practising at home: Choose a short passage and move slowly through:

1. Read

2. Reflect

3. Respond

4. Rest

Deepened on retreat: Without time pressure, Scripture moves from your head to your heart.

You can read more about this practice via Renovaré.

🌿 Want to experience these disciplines in a supported retreat environment?

My Christian retreats gently guide Christians through these practices in a way that feels safe, spacious, and deeply restorative.👉 View Upcoming Retreats →

4. Fixed-Hour Prayer

Fixed-hour prayer anchors your day in God’s presence.

Practising at home: Choose set times (morning, midday, evening) to pause and pray a simple phrase like:

• “Lord, have mercy.”

• “Be near.”

• “Your will be done.”

Deepened on retreat: Retreat schedules naturally support rhythmic prayer throughout the day, strengthening your awareness of God’s nearness.

5. The Examen

The Examen is a reflective prayer that helps you notice God’s presence throughout your day.

Practising at home: Each evening, gently reflect:

• Where did I sense God today?

• Where did I feel distant?

• What am I grateful for?

• Where do I need grace tomorrow?

Deepened on retreat: With more space and stillness, the Examen often reveals deeper patterns and invitations.

6. Fasting

Fasting creates intentional space by letting go of something that usually fills us.

Practising at home:

• Skip one meal

• Fast from social media

• Create screen-free evenings

Deepened on retreat: In a supportive, prayerful environment, fasting feels less like deprivation and more like freedom.

7. Celebration

Celebration is often overlooked — but joy is deeply formative.

God delights in joy, gratitude, and shared goodness.

Practising at home:

• Share gratitude around the table

• Light candles

• Play worship music

• Savour moments intentionally

Deepened on retreat: Retreats create space for unhurried joy — shared meals, laughter, and rest that nourishes the soul.

Why Retreats Help These Disciplines Take Root

At home, spiritual disciplines are often squeezed into the margins of life. On retreat, they move to the centre.

Retreats remove:

• noise

• urgency

• performance

• distraction

And replace them with:

• spaciousness

• stillness

• guidance

• safety

• presence

This is why so many people find that practices begun on retreat continue long after they return home.

A Gentle Encouragement

You don’t need to practise every discipline. You don’t need to be consistent or perfect.

You simply begin.

Choose one practice. Make space. Show up gently.

God does the forming — you provide the willingness.

And if you long to experience these practices more deeply, a retreat can be a beautiful place to start.

🌸 Ready to slow down and practise these disciplines in community?

I offer day and weekend Christian retreats designed to help Christians rest, reflect, and reconnect with God through gentle spiritual practices.

👉 See Upcoming Retreat Dates →

👉 Learn More About Retreat with Leah →