Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life is a 1991 book by Donald S. Whitney (a revised and expanded edition was released in 2014), which many now consider to be a modern classic in the spiritual formation movement, especially in its evangelical Protestant context. Whitney served both in local church ministry and as a seminary professor, in addition to launching spiritual formation initiatives for American evangelicals. He holds a doctorate from the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein (South Africa), and has taught at both Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, of which Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life is the most popular, and he is the founder and president of the Center for Biblical Spirituality. His work builds on the contributions of other contemporary Protestant writings on spiritual disciplines, like Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline and Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines; Whitney’s book contributes to the evangelical reacquisition of spiritual disciplines by consistently rooting them in their biblical foundations. 

This study guide uses the revised edition of 2014, published by NavPress.

Summary

Whitney builds his framework around the New Testament verse of 1 Timothy 4:7, where the apostle Paul instructs his protégé Timothy to discipline himself for the purpose of godliness. Whitney argues that spiritual disciplines are not legalistic requirements or merit-based activities, but rather channels through which God works to transform believers into Christ’s likeness. He emphasizes that these practices do not earn one’s salvation, but are nevertheless essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Included are several different types of disciplines: disciplines of abstinence (fasting, solitude, silence) on the one hand, and disciplines of engagement (Bible study, prayer, worship) on the other. Whitney offers a balanced view of both inward disciplines—those oriented toward one’s own relationship with God—and outward disciplines, which include connection with others and service to the world. Whitney presents these not as burdensome obligations but as privileges that connect believers more deeply with God’s transformative power.

Whitney places first priority on the discipline of Bible intake, which he sees as foundational for all the other disciplines. Bible intake encompasses both reading and study (as well as other modes, like hearing Bible teaching and memorizing Bible verses), providing practical methods for systematic engagement with Scripture. Of prime importance is the practice of meditation—not merely reading the biblical text, but slowly and prayerfully working through it in one’s mind.

Prayer and worship also receive extensive coverage. Whitney addresses common obstacles like wandering thoughts and dry periods. He offers practical suggestions in response, including written prayers, prayer lists, and structured approaches to intercession. He also emphasizes prayer as conversation with God rather than merely petition-making. Worship, for its part, is both a discipline and the natural response to encountering God. Whitney gives significant attention to both private worship in one’s personal devotions and the public, corporate worship of the gathered church, insisting that both contexts of worship necessarily reinforce each other.

Whitney addresses several traditional disciplines of abstinence, including some that are not commonly represented in his own evangelical tradition, such as fasting and solitude. With regard to fasting, he challenges common misconceptions, presenting it not as a legalistic stipulation but as a means of focusing entirely on spiritual matters. He outlines different types of fasts and their purposes, as represented throughout biblical history, always emphasizing heart attitude over external compliance. Solitude and silence, meanwhile, work together to create space for hearing God’s voice amid life’s distractions. He provides guidance for incorporating brief periods of solitude into regular routines. Stewardship is also, in a certain sense, a discipline of abstinence: choosing to restrict the employment of one’s time or money to give priority to the kingdom of God.

Outward disciplines, like service and evangelism (spreading the Christian message), also have their place. Whitney presents evangelism as a spiritual discipline—a regular practice of sharing faith rather than an occasional obligation. Service, likewise, is not an optional add-on for the Christian life, but the necessary outflow of a life that is patterned after the servant-hearted example of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the book, Whitney provides suggestions for implementing each discipline while acknowledging that different personality types and life circumstances may require varied approaches. He emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging readers to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures, with the goal of consistent growth rather than flawless performance. His work reminds readers that spiritual maturity requires intentional effort and consistent practice. While salvation comes through grace (God’s mercy) alone, growth in grace involves the intentional cultivation of spiritual habits. Whitney thus bridges the gap between ancient spiritual practices and contemporary Christian living.