Sermon Illustrations on Spiritual Disciplines
206 illustrations found
Morning Prayer: Sabbath Rest
God who rested on the seventh day, teach me to stop. Not because everything is finished—it never is— but because You declared rest holy, and I need to trust that holy rhythm. Today, help me cease st
Evening Prayer: Exam of Conscience (Ignatian)
God who sees me fully, I review this day in Your presence: Where did I sense Your presence today? [Pause to remember] Where did I miss You? [Pause to notice] When did I respond to Your prompting? [
Prayer for Scripture Meditation
Living Word, as I open this book, open my heart to receive what You want to say. Not just information for my mind, but transformation for my soul. Speak through these ancient words into my modern li
Prayer for Confession & Examination
Searcher of hearts, examine me. Show me the places I've grown cold, the sins I've rationalized, the people I've hurt, the calling I've ignored. Not to shame me, but to free me. I confess: [Silence
Prayer for Worship
Worthy God, I come to worship— not for what I'll get, but for who You are. You are holy. You are good. You are faithful. You are love. Worthy of all praise, all honor, all glory. Forgive me for wor
Prayer for Fasting
God who is enough, I fast today not to earn Your favor, but to remember that I already have it. In this physical hunger, awaken spiritual hunger. In this empty stomach, reveal the places in my soul
Prayer for Solitude
God of silence, I come away from noise and busyness to simply be with You. Not to accomplish anything. Not to earn anything. Just to be. In this quiet, speak what I need to hear. Reveal what I need
Prayer for Simplicity
God of enough, my life feels cluttered— too much stuff, too many commitments, too many voices telling me I need more. Teach me simplicity. Not poverty, but freedom. Not deprivation, but clarity. Not
Prayer for Sabbath Rest
God who rested, I stop today. Not because everything is finished—it never is— but because You declared rest holy. Teach me that my worth isn't in productivity, my value isn't in accomplishment, my i
Sabbath and Rest: Gregory of Nyssa on Eternal Rest
Teaching on Sabbath and Rest from Gregory of Nyssa: Gregory of Nyssa on Eternal Rest
Sabbath and Rest: Tertullian on the Lord's Day
Teaching on Sabbath and Rest from Tertullian: Tertullian on the Lord's Day
Sabbath and Rest: Eusebius on Sabbath as Time for Scripture
Teaching on Sabbath and Rest from Eusebius of Caesarea: Eusebius on Sabbath as Time for Scripture
Community and Fellowship: Irenaeus on the Church as Body
Teaching on Community and Fellowship from Irenaeus of Lyon: Irenaeus on the Church as Body
Community and Fellowship: Ambrose on Christian Friendship
Teaching on Community and Fellowship from Ambrose of Milan: Ambrose on Christian Friendship
Worship: Augustine on Singing as Double Prayer
Teaching on Worship from Augustine of Hippo: Augustine on Singing as Double Prayer
Confession and Self-Examination: Evagrius on Naming the Thoughts
Teaching on Confession and Self-Examination from Evagrius Ponticus: Evagrius on Naming the Thoughts
Prayer: Intercessory Prayer in the Reformed Tradition
Teaching on Prayer from John Calvin: Intercessory Prayer in the Reformed Tradition
Prayer: The Jesus Prayer and Ceaseless Prayer
Teaching on Prayer from Desert Fathers: The Jesus Prayer and Ceaseless Prayer
Prayer: Contemplative Prayer: The Interior Castle
Teaching on Prayer from Teresa of Avila: Contemplative Prayer: The Interior Castle
Prayer: Corporate Prayer in the Early Church
Teaching on Prayer from Cyprian of Carthage: Corporate Prayer in the Early Church
Fasting: Desert Fathers: Fasting as Spiritual Combat
Teaching on Fasting from Evagrius Ponticus: Desert Fathers: Fasting as Spiritual Combat
Fasting: Clement of Alexandria on Fasting and Knowledge
Teaching on Fasting from Clement of Alexandria: Clement of Alexandria on Fasting and Knowledge
Scripture Meditation: Jerome: Let Scripture Wash Over You
Teaching on Scripture Meditation from Jerome: Jerome: Let Scripture Wash Over You
Scripture Meditation: Thomas a Kempis: The Imitation of Christ Through Scripture
Teaching on Scripture Meditation from Thomas a Kempis: Thomas a Kempis: The Imitation of Christ Through Scripture