Training the Soul: What Spiritual Disciplines Are Really About

If I’m honest, spiritual disciplines used to intimidate me.

They sounded like something reserved for people way ahead of me spiritually - stronger, wiser, more focused, and far more disciplined than me. Fasting? Silence? Extended prayer? That felt out of reach.

But over the past several months, my perspective has shifted. I no longer see spiritual disciplines as intimidating tasks but as opportunities for spiritual training - small daily exercises that build strength in my soul and draw me closer to God.

They’re not about proving yourself. They’re about training yourself. Not about earning favor -but about forming faith.

What Are Spiritual Disciplines, Really?

Spiritual disciplines are simple, sacred habits that make room for God to work in us, on us, and through us. They're practices of surrender - tools God uses to align our hearts with His.

Some examples include:

• Prayer – Talking to God and learning to listen.

• Bible reading & meditation – Letting Scripture shape you, not just inform you.

• Fasting – Temporarily giving up food or comfort to deepen dependence on God.

• Sabbath & rest – Slowing down to say yes to being with God.

• Confession – Bringing your sin into the light so it loses its power.

• Generosity – Loosening your grip on stuff to trust God more.

• Silence & solitude – Unplugging from the world to be fully present with God.

You don’t need to master all of these at once. You don’t need to do them perfectly. The goal is simple: draw near to God, and let Him do the shaping.

If You Want to Grow, You’ve Got to Train

We live in a world of comfort and quick fixes. If we’re hungry, we snack. If we’re bored, we scroll. If we’re tired, we caffeinate. But real growth, physical or spiritual, doesn’t come without resistance.

If you’ve ever tried to build strength, you know: growth doesn’t happen without strain. You stretch. You stress the muscle. It breaks down. And over time, it rebuilds stronger than before.

Spiritual discipline works the same way.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)

Discipline is uncomfortable. But it’s essential. It’s how we learn to persevere, endure, and stay rooted, especially when life gets hard.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness…” Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

Even Jesus Practiced Discipline

Jesus didn’t just tell us to pray, fast, and seek the Father - He modeled it.

• He fasted in the wilderness (Luke 4).

• He rose early to pray in solitude (Mark 1:35).

• He quoted Scripture during temptation (Matthew 4).

• He withdrew often to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16).

Jesus didn’t need to grow in holiness, but He showed us the path to intimacy with God. If the Son of God practiced discipline, how much more do we need it?

My (Hesitant) Journey into Fasting

Fasting was the last discipline I wanted to try. For years, I avoided it. It felt outdated. A little extreme. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could separate my spiritual motives from my physical ones.

I’m on a weight loss journey, and I wondered: “Am I just trying to lose weight and calling it spiritual?”

But earlier this year, I decided to try it. Not for performance. Not for perfection. Just as a way to submit myself to God. To offer a small sacrifice to Him.

Over the past two months, I’ve now fasted six times, each for 36+ hours. It’s been every bit as challenging as I expected, but far more fruitful than I imagined.

Each time hunger hits, I’m reminded to pray. When I reach for food, I reach for Scripture instead. Slowly, I’m learning to tell my body no so I can tell God yes. And that, I’m learning, is the essence of discipline.

How to Start (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

If spiritual disciplines feel intimidating, you’re not alone. But don’t let that stop you. Start small. Start honest.

Here are a few ways to begin:

• Pick one: Choose a discipline to try this week.

• Start small: Skip one meal. Read one Psalm. Sit in silence for five minutes.

• Pair it: Add Scripture to your coffee or prayer to your walk.

• Track it: Use a journal - not for guilt, but for growth and reflection.

• Share it: Tell a friend. Invite them to try it too.

So Let Me Ask You…

• Are your habits forming you into someone more like Jesus - or more like the world?

• Have you been avoiding discipline because it feels intimidating or unnecessary?

• When’s the last time you said “no” to your wants so you could say “yes” to God?

• What small practice could help you create space for God to work on you?

• Would you consider trying one discipline this week, not to perform, but to draw near to Him?

It’s Not About Mastery — It’s About Movement

You don’t have to be a spiritual athlete to begin. You just have to take a step.

Whether you’ve never practiced spiritual disciplines or you’re just feeling out of rhythm, this is your invitation to start again. To surrender something small and make space for something holy.

Not for show. Not for status. Just to be with God.

Disciplines Don’t Save You — But They Shape You

Spiritual disciplines won’t earn you a place in heaven. But they’ll help you become the kind of person who longs for it. They sharpen your soul. Strengthen your faith. Rewire your habits for holiness.

Every time you say “no” to your comfort for the sake of Christ, you say “yes” to something better: a heart more attuned to His.

And you don’t have to be perfect. Just willing.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim

P.S. Want to try a discipline this week? Pick one and keep it simple. Fast from one meal. Read a psalm slowly. Sit in silence for five minutes. Let it be a quiet way of saying, “God, I want You more.” And if you want someone to process it with, I’d be honored to hear from you.