Biblical Answer

The Role of Spiritual Practices in Christian Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation is a human thing, but it is a Christian thing as well. It involves the practice of spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible, prayer, and devotional reading, in order to cultivate a close relationship with God. The goal of spiritual formation is to become like God, which means to be transformed from the inside out. This process is not just about personal growth, but about becoming like Christ, who is the ultimate example of spiritual formation. The practices of spiritual formation are based on the lifestyle of Jesus, who spent time in prayer, fasting, and solitude in order to access the presence and power of the Spirit.

The Practices of Spiritual Formation

The practices of spiritual formation are disciplines that create time and space for us to access the presence and power of the Spirit. These practices include reading the Bible, prayer, devotional reading, inspirational conversations, and spiritual warfare. They are not just external actions, but are meant to be internalized and become a part of who we are. The goal of these practices is to bring our spirit closer to God, to experience healing and liberation, and to become like Christ. Dr. Robert Mulholland defines spiritual disciplines as acts of loving obedience by which we offer our brokenness and bondage to God for healing and liberation. The practices are not everything, but they are really important for spiritual formation.

The Purpose of Spiritual Formation

The purpose of spiritual formation is to become like God, which means to be transformed from the inside out. This process is not just about personal growth, but about becoming like Christ. The goal of spiritual formation is to experience a deepening relationship with God, to experience healing and liberation, and to become like Christ. The practices of spiritual formation are not just external actions, but are meant to be internalized and become a part of who we are. As Saint Ignatius said, God is love, and the telos of the spiritual journey is to become like God. Therefore, spiritual formation is not just about personal growth, but about becoming like Christ and experiencing a deepening relationship with God. The practices of spiritual formation are a means to this end, and are an essential part of the Christian life.