In Matthew 11:28-30, the Message Bible presents Jesus’ words in easy, understandable language, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me …work with me …. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  The NIV states it this way, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  … learn from me … find rest for your souls.”  

Whichever translation of the Bible one reads, you will find Jesus’ invitation to come, to learn and to find rest from your weariness and burdens. 

Some people, burned out by life, are desperately seeking renewal. Some, caught up in busyness of life, crave rest and peace.  Some, overwhelmed by challenges, need direction and meaning. They all want something to change. They each need something to change. I believe the desire for change comes from desperation and exhaustion from life’s demands. Actual change comes only through choosing to make changes. A significant change that will bring powerful and needed refreshing is to add spiritual disciplines into one’s life.

As chaplain at United Living Community I have the honor to lead daily facility-wide devotions and prayer for residents and staff.  

Each day we start out with a Scripture reading, sometimes including additional commentary, then we dedicate our day to God through prayer.  

This gives everyone opportunity to learn God’s word and to understand how to apply it to our daily lives. These acts of Scripture, meditation, and prayer are three forms of spiritual disciplines. What is spiritual discipline? It is the intentional and consistent act one commits to in order to further their understanding of, and growth in, Christ.  

What Jesus is offering in our chosen Scripture – to walk closer to him, to experience peace and refreshing –  comes through adding acts that bring us into consistent contact with him, the source of what our souls crave. The changes many desire are found in the transformational journey of seeking God.  

There are many ways to seek him. One of my seminary books discusses 49 types of spiritual disciplines. Some are used in community; most are for the individual. 

Some include acts of service to others; some include reaching out for help. There are so many that they cannot be discussed thoroughly here. I’ve mentioned three: Scripture, meditation, and prayer.

In considering Scriptures, one can simply read it silently or read it aloud. Other related acts are devotions, in-depth study, memorization, and praying Scripture.

Meditation is similar to another discipline, contemplation, in that they bring one to an awareness of God’s presence; meditation to his presence in his word; contemplation to his presence in everything around one.  In each, silently allow the Holy Spirit to reveal truth.

Prayer is a form of communication that includes a relationship. Philippians 4:6 reminds us not to be anxious and invites us to turn our concerns over to God in prayer. Prayer does not require a particular location, tools, or even much time.  We can pray on the run; pray quietly inside or speak outwardly. I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.”  

Prayer is a relationship that does not have an on and off button.  

There are 14-plus types of prayer acts for anyone wanting to delve deeper.

Fasting may be a familiar topic, though often misunderstood. It is not starving oneself. It is the act of giving up feeding one’s physical appetites to focus on God. One can fast from food, TV, hobbies, technology, or anything that fills one’s life and distracts from being aware of God.

I tend to combine several of acts. I read a portion of Scripture, sitting in silence to allow the Holy Spirit to bring enlightenment and meaning. I journal the Scripture, the message from the Holy Spirit, and any promises I noted in the Scripture. I then work on memorizing the Scripture.

Whatever you choose to incorporate into your faith journey, may you find blessings of refreshing, peace, and joy as you draw closer to God.