Spiritual disciplines handbook: practices that transform us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun Summary

1. Spiritual disciplines create intentional space for God’s transformative presence in daily life.
2. Breath prayer integrates brief sacred phrases into routine moments for continual communion.
3. A “rule of life” structures spiritual practices around personal rhythms and core values.
4. Fasting reveals hidden attachments and amplifies dependence on God’s guidance.
5. Visio divina uses sacred imagery to encounter God beyond intellectual understanding.
6. Truth-telling in community dismantles isolation and fuels authentic spiritual growth.
7. Centering prayer focuses on relinquishing thoughts to rest in God’s presence.
8. Gratitude reorients perspective from scarcity to God’s abundant provision.
9. Hospitality becomes spiritual practice when rooted in Christ-centered openness.
10. Unplugging from technology creates space for silence and attentiveness to God.
11. Sabbath-keeping resists cultural busyness to honor sacred rest and renewal.
12. Journaling tracks spiritual insights and God’s faithfulness across life’s seasons.

About the Author of Spiritual disciplines handbook

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, author of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, is a renowned spiritual formation expert and pastor with over four decades of ministry experience.

Born in 1949, she holds an M.A. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has served as a spiritual formation director, church pastor, and adjunct faculty member at Wheaton College and Northern Baptist Seminary. Her work focuses on Christian spirituality, blending theological depth with practical guidance on disciplines like prayer, meditation, and hospitality.

Calhoun’s other influential books include Invitations from God, which explores divine calls to rest and forgiveness, and Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram, co-authored with clergy leaders to integrate personality insights with spiritual growth. A founding member of the Transforming Center, she has shaped spiritual development frameworks used in churches and seminaries worldwide.

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook has garnered widespread acclaim, with over 7,755 Goodreads shelves and translations into multiple languages, solidifying its status as a modern classic in Christian practice.

FAQs About Spiritual disciplines handbook

What is Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun about?

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook offers a structured guide to 62 spiritual practices grouped into seven themes: worship, self-surrender, community, Scripture engagement, Christ-like love, prayer, and openness to God. Each discipline includes actionable steps, reflective questions, and biblical references to help readers cultivate deeper intimacy with God and transform their spiritual lives through intentional habits.

Who should read Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

This book is ideal for Christians seeking to deepen their faith, pastors guiding congregations, or small groups exploring structured spiritual growth. It’s particularly valuable for those overwhelmed by traditional disciplines, as it provides diverse, accessible practices like visio divina (sacred seeing) and “unplugging” from distractions.

Is Spiritual Disciplines Handbook worth reading?

Yes. Calhoun balances theological depth with practicality, offering timeless tools for spiritual renewal. Readers praise its clear framework for tailoring disciplines to personal needs, making it a standout resource for both beginners and seasoned believers.

What are the key concepts in Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

The book emphasizes:

• Desire and discipline: Aligning personal longings with God’s transformative work.
• Holistic practices: From classical prayer/journaling to modern “accountability partnerships”.
• Seven thematic groupings: Structuring disciplines around worship, community, and Scripture.

How does Spiritual Disciplines Handbook define spiritual disciplines?

Calhoun describes disciplines as “practices that open us to God’s presence,” combining intentional habits with divine grace. Examples include examen (reflective prayer), Sabbath-keeping, and incarnational hospitality—each designed to reshape habits and priorities.

What are notable quotes from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

• On hurry: “The faster we go, the less we become”.
• On trust: “Keep company with Jesus… and learn to live freely”. These highlight the book’s focus on slowing down and relying on God’s transformative work.

How does Spiritual Disciplines Handbook compare to other spiritual growth books?

Unlike theoretical guides, Calhoun prioritizes actionable steps over abstract concepts. It’s broader than Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, covering 62 practices with modern adaptations like digital detox.

What is Adele Ahlberg Calhoun’s background?

Calhoun holds an M.A. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has 40+ years in ministry, including pastoral roles and co-leading Redeemer Community Church. Her expertise in spiritual formation informs the book’s practical yet depth-driven approach.

How can Spiritual Disciplines Handbook be applied daily?

The book suggests:

1. Start small: Choose one discipline (e.g., gratitude journaling).
2. Reflect regularly: Use included questions to track growth.
3. Adapt practices: Modify disciplines like “rest” to fit modern lifestyles.

Are there criticisms of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

Some may find 62 disciplines overwhelming, though Calhoun encourages selective adoption. A minor critique is the limited exploration of cultural contexts, but the book’s flexibility compensates for this.

Why is Spiritual Disciplines Handbook relevant today?

Its emphasis on “unplugging” and mindfulness resonates in our distracted age. The disciplines address modern struggles like burnout while rooting solutions in ancient Christian wisdom.

What are the physical details of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

The revised 2015 edition spans 352 pages, with a 7”x9.9” workbook-style layout ideal for note-taking. It’s part of InterVarsity Press’s Transforming Resources series, designed for group or individual study.

What books are similar to Spiritual Disciplines Handbook?

For further reading, explore:

• Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline (classic disciplines).
• Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines (theological foundation). Both complement Calhoun’s practical approach with deeper doctrinal insights.