Praying the Scriptures Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12 We often…
Fasting for Breakthrough Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. – Ezra 8:21 Fasting is more than the absence of…
Centering Prayer Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10 True stillness is a rare commodity in a culture defined by constant noise and demand. We are experts at bringing God our ‘to-do’ lists,…
Lectio Divina Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. – Psalm 119:15 In our fast-paced culture, we are trained to consume information quickly, often prioritizing volume over depth. Lectio Divina, or ‘divine reading,’ is an ancient practice that invites us to slow down, read a short…
Prayer of Examen Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24 We live in a world of constant noise and impulsive reaction, where our thoughts…
Simplicity of Speech Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. – Proverbs 10:19 We often believe that more words equal more influence, but the book of Proverbs teaches that wisdom is frequently found in silence. A ‘multitude of words’ often creates…
Detachment from Possessions Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: – Matthew 6:19 Possessions have a unique way of possessing us if we are not careful. We often equate our security with our bank accounts and our…
Confessing to One Another Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. – James 5:16 We are naturally prone to keeping our secrets tucked away, fearing that exposure will lead to judgment. But…
Submission to Peers Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. – Ephesians 5:21 (KJV) Mutual submission is a revolutionary concept in a world that prizes self-assertion and individualism. To ‘submit’ in the fear of God means to recognize that your brother or sister is a temple of the…
Almsgiving Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice Scripture: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: – Matthew 6:3 (KJV) Generosity is a core practice of the kingdom, but Jesus warns us about the ‘theatre of charity.’ It is easy to let our giving be driven by a desire for…