Practice Spiritual Disciplines: God’s central invitation to followers of Jesus is to draw near to God in Christ and to allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to transform us into Christ’s image. Christian spiritual disciplines and spiritual practices are ways in which we do that. Spiritual disciplines are usually thought of as those things that help us draw near to God and might include different forms of prayer, meditation, study, and service. Spiritual practices are seen as those things Jesus did, said, or embodied; we as Jesus’ followers try to do so as well. Many of the spiritual disciplines covered in this unit have emerged over the centuries as Christians have experimented with ways to make space in their lives to be with Jesus and to allow Jesus to transform them. Congregational Guide. The Congregational Guide provides materials for the pastor, educator, and church leaders to connect the practice with congregational worship and life.