Discipline of Devotion

Transformation through Prayer

In Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes underlines the transformative power of prayer. It's not just a practice, but a tool that shapes a man's character by exposing him to the nature and virtues of God. Prayer aligns a man's desires with God's will, fostering a deeper spiritual connection. The more time a man spends in prayer, the more he becomes attuned to God's character. Consistency in prayer is key. Just as regular exposure to sunlight fosters growth, regular prayer nurtures spiritual maturity. Hughes stresses that prayer is about petitioning God for needs and shaping one's heart and desires to mirror God's will. Daily, intentional prayer leads to increased spiritual sensitivity and an enhanced relationship with God, providing a foundation for all other spiritual disciplines.

Cultural Barriers to Prayer

Hughes acknowledges the cultural pressures that make consistent prayer difficult for many men. Society often values productivity and busyness, which can make prayer seem like a less urgent priority. Men are frequently dominated by the 'time-crunching' ethic of the marketplace, where spiritual practices like prayer are viewed as unproductive in the pursuit of professional success and financial gain. Furthermore, cultural norms can discourage vulnerability, with many men struggling to express emotions or depend on God. Hughes points out that these pressures often make prayer seem more like a feminine activity, further discouraging men from engaging in it. However, he challenges these notions by explaining that true strength comes from dependence on God, not self-sufficiency. To overcome these barriers, Hughes encourages men to recognize that prayer is not a sign of weakness but a necessary discipline for spiritual growth. He suggests practical solutions, such as setting aside dedicated time daily and finding accountability partners to encourage consistency.

Meditation on Scripture

Hughes places great emphasis on the discipline of meditating on God's Word, viewing it as essential for spiritual growth. Regular meditation deepens a man's understanding of God's character and will, aligning his heart with divine truth. Hughes describes meditation as a way to "hear God's voice" and respond to His guidance. Unlike casual reading, meditation involves focused, deliberate reflection on Scripture, allowing the truths of the Bible to penetrate a man's mind and soul. Hughes suggests selecting passages that resonate deeply with personal experiences or spiritual needs. For example, the Beatitudes or the Lord's Prayer can serve as foundational texts for meditation. He encourages men to find creative ways to integrate meditation into their daily routines—whether during work breaks or commuting. This consistency allows God's Word to continually shape their thoughts and actions, leading to spiritual renewal and wisdom in decision-making.

Confession as a Discipline

Confession is another key spiritual discipline highlighted in Disciplines of a Godly Man. Hughes argues that regular confession is essential for maintaining a clear conscience and intimacy with God. Unconfessed sin creates barriers in a man's relationship with God and hinders his prayers. Hughes stresses the need for both spontaneous confession, which occurs when a man becomes aware of specific sins, and systematic confession, where men regularly reflect on their sinful nature and confess their general shortcomings. By humbly acknowledging one's sins, men open the door to spiritual growth, allowing God's grace to transform their lives. Hughes recommends practices like writing down sins to aid in confession, which fosters self-awareness and leads to a deeper understanding of one's need for forgiveness. Consistent confession clears the conscience and enhances intimacy with God, removing obstacles that impede a man's spiritual life.

Adoration and Worship

Hughes presents Adoration as the ultimate expression of devotion, characterized by awe and reverence toward God. He describes Adoration as engaging the mind and Spirit in deep reflection on God's attributes—His holiness, power, and majesty. This leads to a heartfelt response of worship, often expressed through thanksgiving and praise. Hughes teaches that worship is not confined to Sunday services but is a lifestyle encompassing all life aspects. Reverence and concentration are essential for meaningful worship, enabling men to approach God sincerely and intentionally. Hughes encourages men to cultivate a worshipful heart by reflecting on God's attributes and engaging deeply with Scripture. Adoration fosters a profound connection with God, leading to passionate worship that transforms the believer's relationship with Him. Through worship, men are reminded of their dependence on God and are encouraged to submit their lives to His will.

Nature and Contemplation

Hughes also encourages men to engage in contemplation of God's creation as a way to foster awe and reverence. He argues that nature is a visual reminder of God's power, creativity, and sovereignty. Reflecting on creation helps men deepen their understanding of God's character, making worship more profound. Hughes points to the natural world as a medium through which God reveals His glory, inviting believers into a posture of awe. This connection to nature can enhance a man's devotional practices, offering a tangible way to contemplate God's attributes. Whether through a walk in the park or a moment of reflection outdoors, Hughes encourages men to use these opportunities to meditate on God's greatness and express gratitude for His creation.

Devotional Flexibility and Discipline

While Hughes stresses the importance of discipline in maintaining a devotional life, he also acknowledges the need for flexibility. He cautions against rigid adherence to a specific formula, noting that devotion should be dynamic and responsive to the moment's needs. For example, some days may call for deeper confession, while others may emphasize Adoration or petition. Hughes advises men to develop a disciplined approach but to remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading. Setting aside regular prayer, meditation, and confession time is essential for spiritual growth, but Hughes warns against becoming overly legalistic. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes devotion without making it a burdensome obligation. Consistency in these disciplines fosters spiritual growth, but flexibility allows the devotional life to remain vibrant and responsive to God's voice.

Chapter seven of Disciplines of A Godly Man provides a powerful roadmap for men seeking to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, meditation, confession, Adoration, and worship. These disciplines are not mere obligations but transformative practices that shape a man's character and align his life with God's will. By overcoming cultural barriers, engaging with Scripture, and embracing a disciplined yet flexible devotional life, men can experience profound spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

Question #1: How much time do you spend conversing with God?

I don't spend enough time in prayer and communicating with God. I often find myself distracted by what I must do for that day, which I then use as an excuse to ponder prayer. I heard this idea from a brother in Alaska; I'm doing this from memory, so give grace. Before I go into this idea, the main point I want to convey is that I need to do more than I am expected to do as a Christian. Hence, I need Jesus' finished work on the cross for my salvation.

So, if we break down the prayer time, suppose we apply the "rule" of "tithing 10%" of our resources to the time currency. In that case, the time we should spend conversing with God may surprise us. In a week with 168 hours, subtracting time for sleep and work leaves about 56 discretionary hours. Taking 10% of that, we get 5.6 hours a week, or 48 minutes daily. This calculation challenges us to evaluate our priorities and recognize that daily intentional time with God is necessary to deepen our relationship with Him.

Question #2: Why is prayer important to the Christian walk?

Prayer is a crucial part of the Christian walk because it connects us directly to God, allowing us to grow in relationship with Him and align our lives with His will. If we are to be like Christ, we must first understand how He lived and what He valued, and the Gospels make it clear that Jesus prioritized prayer. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, demonstrating that prayer was essential to His relationship with the Father. Through prayer, He sought guidance, strength, and communion with God, especially during key moments in His ministry, such as before choosing His disciples and in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, another significant figure in the Bible, exemplified a life rooted in prayer. Paul's letters are filled with references to prayer for himself and others. He prayed for wisdom, strength, and perseverance. He encouraged the early Christian communities to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul understood that prayer is not just a tool for personal spiritual growth but also a way to intercede for others and invite God's will into every aspect of life.

To grow more like Christ, we must follow the examples set by these faithful witnesses. Prayer is more than a routine or a religious duty; it is an opportunity to converse with God, to seek His presence, and to open our hearts to His transforming work. Just as Jesus and Paul lived lives steeped in prayer, we, too, are called to prioritize prayer, not just in times of need but as a daily, consistent practice that shapes our character and strengthens our faith. Through prayer, we become more attuned to God's voice, aware of His will, and empowered to live in alignment with His purpose for our lives.

Question #3: Do you find it difficult to make time to meditate, to confess, to worship, to consciously surrender to God? What barriers or distractions keep you from doing these things?

Yes, I find it difficult to meditate, confess, worship, or consciously surrender to God. The distractions are endless—the phone, TV, tablet, chores, and the demands of running businesses. These external distractions make it harder, but if I'm honest, the real issue isn't just what's happening around me—it's what's happening inside me. It's a spiritual heart issue.

The deeper problem lies in my heart's resistance to stillness and focus on God. I can't simply blame technology or busyness. It's about recognizing that my heart isn't always set on seeking God first. I must adopt a disciplined approach to spiritual practices to address this issue. That discipline needs to be consistent, even in times of chaos. In fact, during these moments of personal turmoil, it's even more important to stay spiritually vigilant. As Scripture warns, the enemy is always crouching, waiting for a chance to attack in ways that leave no visible marks but harm the soul. By maintaining strong discipline, I can guard my heart and continue to grow in my relationship with God, even when life feels overwhelming.

*The following content has been prepared using advanced artificial intelligence tools, such as (but not limited to) FirefliesAI, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grammarly. These resources have facilitated the drafting, grammatical refinement, and fact-checking processes. While AI generated and organized the content, Kevin Apolinar meticulously reviewed and edited all concepts, interpretations, and final decisions to ensure accuracy, relevance, and compliance with professional standards.

References:

Chapter 7, Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes https://books.apple.com/us/book/disciplines-of-a-godly-man/id1074004351