Table of Contents

Preface to the Revised Edition
The Spiritual Disciplines and Desires
Introduction: Discovering Your Desire

Part I: Worship
Celebration
Gratitude
Holy Communion
Rule for Life
Sabbath
Visio Divina
Worship

Part II: Open Myself to God
Contemplation
Examen
Iconography
Journaling
Pilgrimage
Practicing the Presence
Rest
Retreat
Self-Care
Simplicity
Slowing
Teachability
Unplugging

Part III: Relinquish the False Self
Confession and Self-Examination
Detachment
Discernment
Mindfulness/Attentiveness
Secrecy
Silence
Sobriety
Solitude
Spiritual Direction
Submission
Waiting

Part IV: Share My Life with Others
Accountability Partner
Chastity
Community
Covenant Group
Discipling
Face-to-Face Connection
Hospitality
Mentoring
Service
Small Group
Spiritual Friendship
Unity
Witness

Part V: Hear God?s Word
Bible Study
Lectio Divina/Devotional Reading
Meditation
Memorization

Part VI: Incarnate the Love of Christ
Blessing Others/Encouragement
Care of the Earth
Compassion
Control of the Tongue
Forgiveness
Humility
Justice
Solidarity in Jesus' Sufferings
Stewardship
Truth Telling

Part VII: Pray
Breath Prayer
Centering Prayer
Contemplative Prayer
Conversational Prayer
Fasting
Fixed-Hour Prayer
Inner-Healing Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Labyrinth Prayer
Listening Prayer
Liturgical Prayer
Prayer of Lament
Prayer Partners
Praying Scripture
Prayer of Recollection
Prayer Walking
Welcoming Prayer

Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Spiritual Growth Planner
Appendix 2: A Series on Spiritual Disciplines for the Congregation
Appendix 3: Suggestions for Spiritual Mentors
Appendix 4: Using the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook with Small Groups
Appendix 5: Names for Worshiping God
Appendix 6: One Anothers
Appendix 7: Postures for Prayer
Appendix 8: Spending Time with God
Appendix 9: Suggestions for Fasting Prayer for the Church
Appendix 10: Seasons, Stages and Ages of Transformation
Glossary
Bibliography
Index of Spiritual Disciplines

About the Author

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (MA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) has worked in Christian ministry for over forty years and is currently copastor, with her husband, Doug, of Redeemer Community Church in Needham, Massachusetts. A retreat speaker and trained spiritual director, she has taught courses at Wheaton College and Northern Seminary. She is also the author of Invitations from God and the coauthor of True You.

Reviews

"A practical guide to a wide range of disciplines from the classical practices of prayer, worship, meditation, and scripture study to more contemporary disciplines such as mentoring, journaling, unplugging, and accountability partners. A readable and accessible introduction to the practice of the spiritual disciplines."
*Elizabeth R. Pearson, The Christian Librarian, vol. 52, 2009*

"Encourages and challenges individuals with its specificity and personal tone. Welcome by anyone wishing to enhance life through discipline--especially spiritual discipline."
*Carolyn Egolf, Congregational Libraries Today, January/February 2007*

"For readers seeking to go deeper into the Christian life, or find renewal, or healing, or fresh insight, Calhoun's handbook will be a needed guide. Both the new Christian and the battle-worn veteran will find thoughtful, original paths to improve their walk with God."
*Jim Miller, pastor, Vineyard Church, Nacogdoches, Texas, in the Lufkin Daily News, May 5, 2007*

"[The book] gives a wide range of practices that can prove helpful for anyone."
*Anita Cain, Aspiring Retail, March 2006*

"A treasure of tried and true spiritual practices written well enough for everyone from the novice to the master to use."
*Publishers Weekly, September 26, 2005 (starred review)*

"Spiritual Disciplines Handbook offers a serious and extensive look into developing a variety of spiritual disciplines to help readers draw into a closer relationship with God. . . . Recommended."
*Michelle Lovato, CBA Retailers+Resources, December 2015*