The Common Disciplines are divided into six traditions that correspond to the complete and balanced life of Jesus Christ. Jesus displayed each of these traditions or characteristics in His life. Our goal as His disciples is to imitate Him and His lifestyle. The six traditions are listed below followed by a series of questions called Questions of Examen.
The modern world has basically abandoned the practice of examing the inner self. The Questions of Examen are tools to be used in correspondence with the Spiritual Disciplines and Exercises that fall under the corresponding tradition.
A brief list of some of the Spiritual Disciplines and Exercises are listed on the
Practical Ideas and Exercises for the Practice of Spiritual Disciplines Page.
However, more information on and a better explaination of these traditions and the Common Disciplines can be found in Richard Foster's Streams of Living Water and The Spiritual Formation Workbook. Both of these books are available online at Amazon.com or the Renovare Website: http://www.renovare.org/
Contemplative: The Prayer-filled life
By God's grace, I will set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading and will seek to practice the presence of God.
Questions of Examen:
In what ways has God made his presence known to you since our last meeting? What experiences of prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading has God given you? What difficulties or frustrations have you encountered? What joys and delights?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Holiness: The Virtuous Life
By God's grace, I will strive mightily against sin and will do deeds of love and mercy.
Questions of Examen:
What temptations have you faced since our last meeting? How did you respond? Which spiritual disciplines has God used to lead you further into holiness of heart and life?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Charismatic: The Spirit-Empowered Life
By God's grace, I will welcome the Holy Spirit, exercising the gifts and nurturing the fruit while living in the joy and power of the Spirit.
Questions of Examen:
Have you sensed any influence or work of the Holy Spirit since our last meeting? What spiritual gifts has the Spirit enabled you to exercise? What was the outcome? What fruit of the Spirit would you like to see increase in your life? What disciplines might be useful in this effort?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Social Justice: The Compassionate Life
By God's grace, I will endeavor to serve others everywhere I can and will work for justice in all human relationships and social structures.
Questions of Examen:
What opportunities has God given you to serve others since our last meeting? How did you respond? Have you encountered any injustice to or oppression of others? Have you been able to work for justice and shalom?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evangelical: The Word-Centered Life
By God's grace, I will share my faith with others as God leads and study the Scriptures regularly.
Questions of Examen:
Has God provided an opportunity for you to share your faith with someone since our last meeting? How did you respond? In what ways have you encountered Christ in your reading of the Scriptures? How has the Bible shaped the way you think and live?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Incarnational: The Sacramental Life
By God's grace, I will joyfully seek to show forth the presence of God in all that I say, in all that I do, in all that I am.
Questions of Examen:
In what ways have you been able to manifest the presence of God through your daily work since our last meeting? How has God fed and strengthened you through the ministry of word and sacrament?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One of the great passions of my life is to seek God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. One of the best books that I have found on the development of our Spiritual Formation is: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. Along with that, is a wonderful book that has helped me understand Spiritual Disciplines and the importance of applying them to my life. This book is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
Below are articles that I have written which summarize each of the Spiritual Disciple that Foster details in this book. I hope that these articles will be of help to you in your spiritual walk with Christ. God Bless.