Spiritual Disciplines for Men

You don't drift into spiritual maturity. You don't accidentally become a man of deep faith, wisdom, and character. These things are built through intentional practice over time. The spiritual disciplines are the practices that have shaped men for thousands of years.

Disciplines aren't about earning anything. They're about positioning yourself to receive. They create space for God to work, habits that keep you connected, and practices that shape who you become.

Core Disciplines

Scripture: Regular engagement with the Bible. Not just reading but studying, meditating, letting it shape how you think. This is your foundation.

Prayer: Conversation with God. Not just requests but listening, confession, thanksgiving, and simply being present. This is your connection.

Community: You weren't meant to walk alone. Church, small groups, brothers who know you. This is your support.

Service: Using what you have for others. Your time, resources, and abilities given away. This is your expression.

Disciplines are to spiritual growth what training is to athletics. You don't become strong by wishing. You become strong through consistent practice over time. There are no shortcuts.

Why Men Struggle

Inconsistency: Starting strong, then fading. The discipline requires doing it when you don't feel like it.

Wrong motivation: Trying to earn God's approval rather than respond to it. This leads to either pride or burnout.

Isolation: Trying to do it alone. Spiritual growth happens best in community.

All or nothing: Missing a day and giving up entirely. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Building the Habit

• Start small: Five minutes of Scripture is better than zero. Build from there.
• Attach to existing habits: Pray during your commute. Read Scripture with morning coffee.
• Same time, same place: Routine removes the decision fatigue.
• Have a plan: Know what you're reading, what you're praying about. Don't wing it.
• Get accountability: Someone who asks how it's going.

When It Feels Dry

There will be seasons when disciplines feel empty, when prayer feels like talking to the ceiling, when Scripture feels like just words. Keep going. Faithfulness in the dry seasons builds something that feelings never could. The discipline is about who you're becoming, not how you feel in the moment.

Your Action Steps

This week: Establish one discipline. Start with Scripture or prayer. Same time every day, even if just five minutes.

This month: Add community. Join a group or find one man to meet with regularly.

This quarter: Evaluate your spiritual practices. What's working? What needs adjustment? Build a sustainable rhythm.