Spiritual Formation

A spiritual discipline or practice is a way of creating some open and free space in which God can move an speak. For example, the discipline of solitude helps us spend time with God alone and so become aware of the divine silence. The discipline of community helps to let God speak to us through others…All the disciplines of the spiritual life are intended to help us to move from an absurd (deaf) life to an obedient  (listening) life of freedom, joy, and peace.

Henri Nouwen, with Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird

A spiritual discipline or practice is a way of creating some open and free space in which God can move and speak. For example, the discipline of solitude helps us spend time with God alone and so become aware of the divine silence. The discipline of community helps us to let God speak to us through others. Both solitude and community are disciplines of prayer because in both we try to listen to God. All the disciplines of the spiritual life are intended to help us to move from an absurd (deaf) life to an obedient (listening) life of freedom, joy, and peace.

Henri Nouwen, with Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird

The process of spiritual formation in Christ is one of progressively replacing . . . destructive images and ideas with the images and ideas that filled the mind of Jesus himself.

Dallas Willard

Spiritual formation, without regard to any specifically religious context or tradition, is the process by which the human spirit or will is given a definite “form” or character. It is a process that happens to everyone. The most despicable as well as the most admirable of persons have had a spiritual formation. Terrorists as well as saints are the outcome of spiritual formation. Their spirits or hearts have been formed. Period.

Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ