ABSTRACT
Christian spiritual disciplines offer to us the strength of a well-prepared soul which can sustain us in the twists and turns of life. When we do the work, and it is a disciplined work, of participating in the thirteen Christian disciplines, we are ready to meet the easy or complex challenges of life. The only way to exercise the souls and get some celebration of faith in them is to practice the disciplines of the Christian life. The common thread that runs throughout both writings is that spiritual discipline is both active and passive, and includes both the sensual and the spiritual. Union with God is the goal of Christian spirituality. Active and passive spiritual discipline is a means to the goal. The Holy Spirit is the vessel which directs, encourages, and invites us along this powerful and sacred journey.
