The Importance of Embracing Biblical Disciplines

Understanding Biblical Disciplines

I always say that disciplines are the things you need to do but are most likely not already doing. If it were something we were already doing, we would call it a habit or a normal part of our routine. However, asking and expecting someone to pray, read their Bible regularly, and be accountable to someone else right away can feel unfair. That’s why it’s something we first have to recognize as a need, believe in its importance, and intentionally incorporate it into our daily lives. 

Now, we need to focus on embracing these disciplines. As I mentioned earlier, they’re things we’re not already doing—usually because they’re not immediately fun or because we haven’t yet seen the benefits of prioritizing them. But these disciplines are intentional actions or habits that align with biblical teachings, and they’re designed to help us deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.

Biblical disciplines are not just tasks to complete. They are pathways to transform one's life. By integrating these practices, individuals can experience profound spiritual growth preparing them for a life of freedom.

The Importance of Prayer

Men, prayer is foundational to spiritual growth. It allows us to communicate with God—expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and finding peace. Regular prayer deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our faith.

Biblical Foundation for Prayer

The Bible encourages us to pray consistently. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer not only alleviates anxiety but also brings the peace of God into our lives.

The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Growth
Jesus modeled the importance of prayer in Luke 5:16, where He often withdrew to pray. Regular prayer reorients our hearts toward God’s will, helping us stay grounded in faith and resilient in life’s challenges.

Practical Benefits
Studies, including Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4, show that regular spiritual practices, like prayer, contribute to mental and emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and stress. Prayer strengthens our emotional resilience and offers lasting peace.

How to Embrace Prayer
To make prayer a daily discipline:

1)Set aside a specific time each day.
2)Start small and build up.
3)Use a prayer journal.
4)Pray with others for accountability.

I cannot emphasize this enough, men: prayer is not optional. It is the lifeline we have been given to connect with the Creator of the universe. I know it might seem hard to believe, but there is no greater source of power than prayer. Don’t skip out on it. When you begin to genuinely lean into prayer, expect God to show up. He will show up!

By embracing prayer as a daily discipline, we draw closer to God and invite His peace into every situation we face. But it’s not just about our own growth—prayer equips us to be the strength someone else desperately needs in their darkest moments. We have the privilege of being a source of hope and power when others are struggling, and that starts with our commitment to pray.

Engaging with Scripture

Men, just as important as prayer, reading and studying the Bible is non-negotiable. The Word of God is our primary source of wisdom—it provides the guidance we desperately need to navigate life’s challenges. If we want to grow in faith and strength, we cannot afford to neglect Scripture. When we engage with the Bible, we gain not just knowledge, but divine insight into how God wants us to live.

What makes Christianity so profound is that it encourages us to seek answers within its writings. It doesn't hide from us or make itself available for the privledged, but invites everyone equally to explore and discover truth through its pages. This active engagement with God's Word helps us grow deeper in faith and understanding.

Please, make it a priority to set aside time each day to read and reflect on God’s Word. This isn’t just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about allowing Scripture to transform your life. The more we meditate on God’s Word and apply it to our daily lives, the more we experience His guidance, peace, and strength. We need this daily—it’s the blueprint for living the life God has called us to as men, fathers, and husbands, with responsibilities that go far beyond the mundane tasks of our everyday routines.

And for you gentleman who struggle to make this a priority, there’s more than just spiritual benefits. Research from the Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4 study shows that consistent engagement with Scripture significantly boosts mental and emotional well-being. In fact, daily Bible reading has been linked to improved levels of emotional resilience, lower stress, and a greater sense of purpose. Those who engage with the Bible regularly report a stronger sense of peace and clarity in their decision-making. This is not just a spiritual discipline—it’s a practice that scientifically enhances our overall health and well-being. 

The Role of Fasting

Ok, so take a breath. weve discusses a lot and talking about fasting can feel like navigating a foreign country far-far away. Its simple, fasting is a practice that involves temporarily abstaining from food or certain activities in order to focus on spiritual growth and seek God’s will. It’s a powerful tool that helps us develop self-discipline and learn to rely more fully on God, especially during seasons when we need clarity, renewal, or a fresh sense of direction. 

But for many, fasting can be misunderstood. Fasting isn’t just about going without food or cutting out distractions for the sake of self-denial. It’s about intentionally setting aside something we normally rely on—whether it’s food, devices, or the busyness of life—in order to seek God more earnestly. It’s a way to step back from the noise and distractions and give God the space to speak to us, reveal His will, and deepen our relationship with Him. I will be honest with you, this is something I dont do enough of and sometimes feel blindsided by when I think of it as an after thought. 

Again, fasting isn’t just a ritual; it’s an opportunity to become spiritually alert and attuned to God’s voice. The goal is not simply to go without something, but to fill that space with prayer, worship, and reflection, asking God to speak into our lives. When we remove those distractions, we create room for God to reveal areas in our hearts where we need healing, guidance, or strength.

Consider how often we face spiritual challenges that seem overwhelming or insurmountable. In these moments, we may feel like the disciples who struggled to cast out the demon in Matthew 17. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome the evil spirit. Jesus, however, simply rebuked the demon and healed the boy, and when the disciples asked why they couldn’t do it, He told them, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).

This is a crucial reminder: some spiritual battles require more than just faith or good intentions. They require focused preparation, through prayer and fasting, to align our hearts with God’s will and to draw on His power. When we fast, we aren’t just giving something up; we’re intentionally setting aside distractions to seek God more deeply, build spiritual strength, and increase our reliance on Him. It’s through fasting that we prepare ourselves for the most difficult challenges, knowing that God's power, not our own, is what ultimately brings victory.

It’s crucial to approach fasting with a clear purpose—whether that’s seeking God’s direction in a specific area of your life, asking for His strength, or simply drawing closer to Him in a season of spiritual dryness. Fasting with intention opens the door to deeper spiritual awareness and a renewed sense of faith.

When we fast, we remind ourselves that our true source of strength and sustenance comes from God, not from the things we often turn to for comfort or security. Fasting strengthens our reliance on God and deepens our trust that He is faithful to provide for our every need.

Community and Fellowship

Consider the power of community in your life. As men, we often face challenges alone, thinking we have to carry the weight by ourselves. That is not the truth; That is a lie!  Whether you’ve been in church all your life or are still figuring out what faith means to you, living in isolation is never the answer. The truth is, we weren’t made to do life alone.

In Proverbs 27:17, we’re reminded, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This isn’t just about being around people—it’s about having people who challenge us, hold us accountable, and encourage us to be better. Whether you’ve got a solid faith or are still searching, there’s no denying that having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.

If you're living life isolated, you’re missing out on the strength that comes from authentic relationships. We need other men to walk alongside us, share our struggles, and keep us on track. Without that, we risk losing focus, making bad decisions, and facing battles we don’t have the strength to win on our own. Accountability is key. It’s about being real with someone, letting them in, and allowing them to help us grow.

A faith community isn’t just for the spiritually strong—it’s for anyone who wants to grow, make a difference, and not face life’s battles in isolation. Fellowship is where we find the support, challenge, and encouragement we need to move forward. It’s a place where we can find strength, no matter where we are on our journey.

Engaging in regular gatherings and discussions with fellow believers can enhance one's understanding of faith. It is a valuable way to learn from others and offer support.

Conclusion

Gentlemen, I cant encourage you more to make these disciplines a priority in your life. Prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, and fellowship aren’t just routines; they’re the tools that transform your journey and I stand by how they have inluenced my life for the better. When you commit to these practices, you don’t just build knowledge—you build a life of purpose, power, and real change.

And for those struggling with these disciplines, or if you don’t have the community or brotherhood to support you on your journey, don’t settle for doing life alone. FATE Fellowship is here to help you connect with others who are rooting for you, walking alongside you, and challenging you to grow. Whether you're local or not, we will connect you with one of our many church or Mens Ministry partners across the United States to get you plugged into a faith backed community that can help you thrive. Remember, we are stronger together!

Commit to these practices—prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, and fellowship—and watch how they will draw you closer to God and to the men around you. There’s more at stake than just surviving; it’s about thriving in the strength and purpose God has for you. You don’t have to do this alone—let us help you find the support and accountability you need to live out the life you were created for.