Chapter 7 - Solitude and Silence (Disciplines of Abstinence)

Solitude and Silence are companion disciplines; silence gives depth to solitude, and solitude creates a place for silence. If solitude was important enough for Jesus to 1) prepare for His inaugural ministry (wilderness), 2) prepare to select His disciples (mountain), and 3) prepare to sacrifice His life for us (garden); how much more should it be important to us? Consider that each day has clustered opportunities for little moments of solitude. Silence is then what you do in solitude. This "verbal fast" helps develop inner control and composure, the less we will feel compelled to gain outward control over people and circumstances. Enjoy reviewing the 20 disciplines (pgs 82-86) and then digging into the deep dive of Solitude and Silence (pgs 86-89).

Chapter 7 - Spiritual Disciplines

This chapter outlines twenty disciplines of the faith and focuses on two disciplines of abstinence (solitude and silence) and three disciplines of engagement (study, meditation, and prayer). A number of suggestions are offered for practicng these five strategic disciplines. You can read the disciplines at: http://books.google.com/books?id=9iN9qx0e9S0C&pg=PA82&lpg=PA82&ots=UM75N-tHMH&dq=ken+boa+chapter+7+list+of+spiritual+disciplines&output=html_text Which ones resonate with you? 1) Solitude, 2) Silence, 3) Prayer, 4) Journaling, 5) Study, 6) Meditation, 7) Fasting, 8) Chastity, 9) Secrecy, 10) Confession, 11) Fellowship, 12) Submission, 13) Guidance, 14) Simplicity, 15) Stewardship, 16) Sacrifice, 17) Worship, 18) Celebration, 19) Service and 20) Witness

Chapter 6 - Disciplined Spirituality

Discipline should work in concert with dependence, since grace is not opposed to effort but to earning. The multiple benefits of the time-tested disciplines of the faith contribute to spiritual formation in the same way that training prepares us for skillful endeavor. How do we achieve balance - not overemphasizing our role and minimizing God's role?