Margaret Feinberg - Experiencing Spiritual Revival: Renewing Your Desire for God

In parts of the Christian tradition, the phrase means of grace has been used rather than spiritual disciplines precisely as a way to understand them as means (not needs) by which we open ourselves to the grace of God.

Steve Harper, author and former professor of spiritual formation, Asbury Theological Seminary

Have you ever wondered what qualifies someone as an expert?

A recent study shows the number of hours required to achieve a certificate, bachelors degree, or doctorate in prospective fields within the confines of a forty-hour work week. In the case of un-degreed fields, time spent performing activities that would lead to one being considered an expert was calculated. The results are startling. Consider the estimated amount of time required to become an expert in the following areas:

Neurosurgery: 42,240 hours

Economics: 26,880 hours

Culinary Arts: 13,440 hours

Sports: 9,600 hours

Knitting: 5,760 hours

(Who would have thought becoming an expert knitter took so long?)

Would you consider yourself an expert in any area? Perhaps youve practiced a sport, played a musical instrument, or engaged in a particular task at work. Maybe youve honed your skills at singing, cooking, dancing, or training others.

Its no secret that whatever we practice for any significant length of time, we naturally become better at. But most of us cant become experts at something overnight. Studies show that, depending on the skill, it takes on average at least 10,000 hours of practicing something to become an expert.

This principle isnt true just for athletic activities and artistic expressions but for all of lifeincluding our spiritual lives. For thousands of years, those within the church have committed themselves to practicing spiritual disciplines that help them connect with God and renew their desire for Him. At first many of these disciplines were challenging to those who began engaging in them, but over time they became well-worn paths for people and communities of faith to connect with God.

Its worth noting that over time the word discipline has collected a lot of baggage. All too often its associated with reprimand or punishment, and thats one reason why these disciplines are sometimes referred to as spiritual practices. And that is a great description, because not only do we get better at these disciplines with practice, but they help us grow closer to God. Each practice is a kind of fountain meant to refresh us, awaken us, cleanse us, and fill us. Through these practices we have the opportunity to connect with God and become more like Jesus.

These habits of holiness, which include prayer, study, silence, and more, arent ends in and of themselves. Theyre never meant to be check-off-the-box-and-move-on kinds of activities. Rather, these practices are meant to be springboards to encourage us to live in daily dependence on God and become just a little more Christlike. We engage in these spiritual practices because we want to experience more of God and revival and transformation in our hearts.