For the next twelve weeks I invite you to journey with me as we explore the spiritual disciplines using David S. Young's "A Closer Walk."  Each week we will examine a different spiritual disciple.  On Sunday morning we will learn about the discipline, then we are encouraged to practice it throughout the week.

The purpose of the spiritual disciplines is to deepen our individual spiritual relationship with God.  Ultimately, this will lead to congregational renewal.  My hope is that through this twelve week journey, the disciplines will become part of the fabric of each of our lives. 

Each week we will only be able to briefly learn about each discipline.  For those who would like to learn more, I would suggest that you read Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline which offers extended explanations.  "A Closer Walk" is based upon this book, so it serves as an excellent companion.

I would like to offer this encouragement from Foster as we begin our journey together:
     We must not be led to beleive that the Disciplines are only for spiritual giants and hence beyond
     our reach, or only for contemplatives who devote all thier time to prayer and meditation.  Far
     from it.  God intends the Disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings:  people
     who have jobs, who care for children, who wash dishes and mow lawns.  In fact, the Disciplines
     are best exercised in the midst of our relationships with our husband or wife, our brothers and
     sisters, our friends and neighbors.

May God bless us as we endeavor to draw closer to God.