How To Write A Spiritual Growth Plan

I would advise you to prayfully consider each of the spiritual development phases listed below. Allow God to communicate to you about how He wants you to grow spiritually during this time!

Step #1: Consider why spiritual maturity is important.

Any Christian's life should include a focus on growing closer to God. Allow these reasons for the importance of spiritual maturity to motivate you to make spiritual progress a priority in your life:

• We are called to go beyond a fundamental, intro-level religion (Heb 5:11-14) and to “race to win” rather than just “exist” (1 Cor 9:24-27).
• If we want God's deepest insight, we must continuously grow in maturity (Prov 2:1-11; Mark 4:24-25).
• For us to make the fullest use of the spiritual abilities God has given us, we must maintain a constant spiritual growth and connection with Him (John 15:1-8).
• Jesus came to show us what it is to live life to the fullest (John 10:10). “Living life to the fullest” is a continuous process, not a one-time event or “arrival.”
• Simply put, God's unfathomable love for us compel us to grow. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Step #2: Prayerfully ask God to show you where you need growth.

“How might God be attempting to grow me in my current life circumstances?” asks the question. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Are you looking for ways to incorporate more spiritual values (such as joy, love, and serenity) into your life?
• Do you require certain personality traits in your relationships (such as parenting, marriage, or friendships)?
• Is there a set of character traits that you'll need for His special calling for you in the world (whether it's in your everyday service to others or in traditional forms of ministry)?
• Are there any aspects of God or the Bible about which you'd like to learn more?

Step #3: Determine what you really need to grow spiritually.

Nothing like a good women's Bible study for inspiring and educating… or lulling you into a wonderful Christian coma (yes, you read that right).

Don't get me wrong: I believe in the power of God's Word when it comes to teaching (and am immeasurably grateful to those who have and who continue to pour into me year after year).

But I also understand how easy it is for many Christians to lurk in these Bible study groups as “consumers” rather than “doers” of the truth. We gain a lot of good teaching from these books or studies, and then we go on to the next one for even more good teaching.

The cycle continues, and we become spiritually fat and sassy rather than muscular and lean. I'm sure I've been there.

To be honest, some of my most significant spiritual breakthroughs have come when I've prayedfully declined to join the latest women's Bible study and instead researched and implemented something wholly unique that God wants to teach me on my own.

To grow spiritually, we don't always need to join another church organization, read another book, or make a commitment to listen to additional sermons. Those things, on the other hand, are sometimes exactly what we require.

Before you jump into the next Bible study your church is providing, I urge you to remain still and listen to God speak to you about what you might need to grow spiritually during this season.

Step #4: Accept that spiritual growth often comes at the most inconvenient times and in the most uncomfortable forms.

I'm learning to take a step back and appreciate God's plan for my life. Through life's hardships, He gradually reveals His truths (and how I need to grow).

His plans for me (and you) are excellent. Isn't it liberating? We may know that he loves us completely and completely, and we can be certain that every moment of our lives–even the most difficult moments–is an invitation to grow closer to Him because of that life-changing reality.

Believing that He works all things for good in my life, beyond a shadow of a doubt, offers lasting serenity through the hardships. Knowing that He is sculpting my life into a masterpiece inspires me to make sacrifices where he directs me and to let go of what isn't best for me.

How might changing our viewpoint on a challenging situation help us achieve the progress we want? How can we accept our challenges as sacrificial-yet-joyful paths to wonderful spiritual growth instead of bemoaning them (which, trust me, I'm fantastic at)?

God has recently taught me a lot about getting spiritually stronger via hardships. I've shared some of what I'm learning in the following posts:

Step #5: Recognize that growth comes a little at a time as we continue to seek God each day.

God has had to tame that side of me through the years (and he's still doing it). I'm an all-or-nothing sort of gal.

But, if it were up to me, I'd want spiritual development to happen all at once and in its entirety (no more “lifetime of perfecting” nonsense).

Our magnificent God, on the other hand, has taught me the value of grace: grace for my own spiritual growth as well as grace for the spiritual growth of others.

Most importantly, He's teaching me the delight of letting spiritual growth to trickle in over time, like a spiritual crock pot.

(Yes, I just used a slow cooker to describe God's activity in our souls.) But it's understandable, right?)

We're called to continue pursuing the truth, to be open to His guiding, and to respond quickly when He calls.

Learning, listening, and doing are the simple three things that guide me, and they enable for great spiritual growth to happen gradually.

What are examples of spiritual growth?

• Read the Bible from beginning to end. Set aside a few minutes each day to read some Bible verses. Reading the Bible in its whole is probably possible with 365 days in a year.
• Participate actively in church services. It's not enough to just show up. You must be physically, mentally, and spiritually present.
• Make it a habit to pray every day. It's enough to say a short prayer for a few minutes each day. It's something you can do every morning when you get up or before you go to bed. It will become second nature with time.
• Keeping a spiritual notebook is a good idea. It's a great place to write down your thoughts and everyday reflections. It's a great read for when you're feeling low.
• Forgiveness should be practiced. Forgiving someone who has harmed you will not only help you restore your relationships, but it will also help you grow as a person. It will also provide you with peace of mind.
• Return the favor. Donating to charity should not be limited to the Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons. Giving back should be done throughout the year. Every day, strive to be a benefit to others. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating your old clothes to the underprivileged are good places to start. (See also: 50 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Perform Today)
• Every day, have a conversation with God. Spend a few minutes every day alone with God. Tell him about the things you're grateful for today, as well as the things that are causing you concern. Communicate with him as if he were a buddy.
• Read books that will make you feel good. Inspirational literature, in addition to the bible, are a terrific method to find spiritual contentment.

How do you develop spiritual growth?

1. Read literature that are spiritual and encouraging.

Consider what you've read and how you may put it to good use in your life.

2. Every day, meditate for at least 15 minutes.

If you don't know how to meditate, there are plenty of books, websites, and people who can teach you.

3. Develop the ability to relax your mind.

4. You are more than your physical self.

Recognize that you are a spirit with a physical body, not a spirit with a physical body. If you can accept this concept, it will alter your perspective on people, life, and the events and situations you encounter.

5. Take a look at yourself.

Examine yourself and your thinking frequently to discover what it is that makes you feel conscious and alive.

What is spiritual plan?

A spiritual strategy, like a fitness plan, should begin small and frequently. Consistency is the cornerstone to any strategy. Whatever you decide to do, make it a habit to do it every day because it is consistency that will reap the rewards.

How do I write my spiritual life?

Spiritual Autobiography is one of the numerous varieties of concentrated memoir. A spiritual autobiography is a chronological account of one's spiritual influences and life milestones. My own autobiography, for example, might include high school and college graduations, a job path, and marriages, births, and divorces. But there are insights and epiphanies in my spiritual autobiography! It includes a story about a good pastor who was driven out of town by hypocrites, prompting me to leave the church as a teenager, as well as a transcendental experience that led me to seek out a guru. The work route becomes a tool for serving others and meeting new people. The unsuccessful marriages become a preparation for true and lasting love, rather than a tale of naiveté and suffering.

Writing about your own spiritual journey helps you to understand what you've learnt and where you've been. Spiritual autobiography is a cleansing process because of the goal, creation, and assessment that it entails.

Begin by stating your intention in your present spiritual practice, such as prayer or meditation. Make a list of the events in your life that influenced your attitude and philosophy in a brainstorming framework. Did you find a new path after a particularly trying period? Next, think about persons who have had a positive impact on your life. Do you have a spiritual text that was given to you with love? Did someone reach out to you and assist you in overcoming a challenge? These recollections will start to flow soon. Return later to write the stories based on your outline. Continue on the spiritual path that has affected you. If you like to work visually, instead of outlining, you may create a map or timeline; recalling music or speeches can be a useful aid for individuals whose ears are key conduits for the spirit.

Your spiritual autobiography can be summarized, sketched, or expanded into a book. After you've completed your account, you'll feel relieved and ready to move on to the next step. The fact that you are reflecting and seeking will attract what you require to grow spiritually in the future. You'll be adding chapters to the document or creating a new volume as you have new experiences.

How are Catholic spiritual goals set?

Slowly, “step by step, by everyday acts,” the route to the Kingdom of Heaven is walked (CCC 1724). With that in mind, here are 23 spiritual objectives for Catholics.

• Set aside a holy hour, half-hour, or fifteen minutes each day/week to spend with the Lord.
• Every Sunday, attend mass and set aside time to rest to keep the Sabbath holy.
• Instead of your present media choices, seek out faith-centered media to read, listen to, view, or watch.
• Examine your tithing habits. Is it possible to be a little more charitable? Consider raising your Sunday collection offering or donating to Catholic Charities.
• Every Friday, perform a penance, such as fasting or a charitable deed of your choosing.

How do I become a spiritual writer?

Spirituality is one of the most in-demand genres in the world since it is always in need. Life moves at a breakneck pace, and we all need to sit down and regain our inner serenity from time to time. You cannot, however, simply sit down and write about your spiritual experiences, whether they involve living a life of faith in yourself or the world, or believing in God or another god. There's a lot more to spiritual writing than just your own personal experience. It's important to remember that everyone is different, especially when it comes to our inner spirituality. It doesn't mean that a path you took helped you find inner peace; it doesn't indicate that it will benefit others. When creating a spiritual book, the objective is to connect with the reader and assist them in finding their own inner peace.

Choose your Path

It's safe to assume that if you've decided to write a book about spirituality, you've already experienced an enlightening experience that has altered you, your life, and your beliefs. It might be anything from finding God to crossing over to the other side of the universe. It's critical to maintain consistency in your faith; never blend multiple themes and spiritual pathways into a single book. Rather of books on spirituality in general, the majority of your readers will purchase books with specific spiritual themes and methods to reaching inner peace.

Share your experience

Tell us about yourself. What drew you down this path? Was it a near-death experience or a trip to another world? Find the right words to best show, not simply convey, your narrative to the reader. Look deep within yourself for the proper words, and keep in mind that you need to connect with the reader on an emotional level, so be genuine. Rather of preaching, become a spiritual guru. You want to take your readers down a route that leads to inner peace, not force doctrines on them that push them away from their emotional and spiritual core.

State your beliefs

After you've presented your story, you'll need to explain your insights into the mysteries of life and human existence, as well as all the lessons you've learned along the road, in great detail. With the help of your tale about how you reached inner peace, you should share the wisdom you've gained on the spiritual road with the rest of the world. Express your beliefs clearly, using your personal illumination as evidence for the facts you'll provide to your audience.

Find the practical use of your insight

This is what will entice readers to read your works. Finding inner peace is one thing, but maintaining it is quite another. We've all had times in our life when we've lost trust in the world, which is why we need a steady source of illumination to guide us. You must explain the practical daily application of your insight and wisdom in this section, both in times of peace and times of inner turmoil, so that the readers will always have a foundation to fall back on, a starting point that will help them go back on the path of spiritual enlightenment.

Reach your audience

Or, to put it another way, publish your book. You can look for publishing houses that specialize in spiritual publications, although this can be challenging due to the subjectivity of both the writing and publishing processes, as well as the fact that spiritual books are highly personal. As a result, you may not receive positive comments right away. You can, however, always publish it on your own. Find the proper people who will buy your book and profit substantially from it, and add techniques in your marketing that are specifically tailored to reach them, ensuring that your book will have an impact on your readers.

She moonlights as a writer as a 22-year-old art student, pleased to fill notebooks and sketchbooks with fantastical creatures and fantastic new worlds. You can typically find her cuddled up, reading a fantastic urban fantasy novel, or working on her laptop, trying to create her own when she is not at school or scribbling away in a notebook.

What is a spiritual memoir?

Spiritual autobiography is a type of memoir that follows the author on his or her spiritual path. Whether or not you are spiritual or religious, these may provide intriguing insight into people's life and how experiences, particularly tragedy, can influence beliefs. They frequently provide insight into how much one's worldview can shift over the course of a lifetime. Augustine's Confessions, written around 400 AD, is arguably one of the oldest examples of conversion narratives. They frequently demonstrate people's resiliency. These novels take readers on a fascinating journey into the authors' minds, families, and cultures.

What is the difference between an autobiography and a spiritual autobiography?

I'm sorry, but I'm unable to attend. Maybe you'd like to come to one of my Wednesday sessions at 10 or 11 a.m. instead of my Monday group. If you are unable to do so, Alice is certain that you will be able to attend one of her sessions this afternoon.

First and foremost, I should state that this section is a) new and b) something I developed myself. Because there isn't much published on the subject, I've posted an essay on the website about spiritual autobiography—about it's the political/historical background of women's spiritual autobiographies—please utilize it. The Puritan persecution during the Restoration is, of course, the political setting. The year is 1674. It must be after 1672 since that is when John Bunyan returned—he spent the longest stretch of time in jail of any Nonconformist, from 1660 when Charles returned until 1672 when there was a brief period of amnesty following the Declaration of Indulgence. This is the most heinous persecution in the history of Europe in the seventeenth century.

Last year, many people used Spiritual Autobiographies for their second evaluated essay; several of them were excellent, and several of them were placed into the Early English Books Online undergraduate essay competition. By the end of January, we'll know if any of them won. For the past four years, our course has earned one or two prizes in the EEBO competition—and that means actual money for you. Look at the What's New section of the EEBO website.

1. Type of music

These are referred to as “Spiritual Autobiographies” in the collection, but they are nothing like current autobiographies. The idea isn't really self-construction; it's more like self-DEStruction. You'll see why after you comprehend Calvinism. These documents are more concerned with what God does in people's lives than with what people do in their lives… They must demonstrate God's work in the soul, and the way they do so is by illustrating how Nonconformists believe God works. As a result, the accounts all follow the same pattern. In some ways, it isn't accurate to claim that these are literary patterns; rather, they are patterns prescribed by their theology. These manuscripts have a perspective that is significantly different from current autobiography. It's experience, but it's experience defined in a spiritual sense, and it has to do with the relationship with Christ.

This is a part from Isaac Ambrose's 1652 guide to the Christian life, Prima Media Ultima—the First, the Middle, and the Last Things in the Christian Life. The journals originate from the center—Media. In the book, this is image 190. The previous chapter dealt with Experiences; the types of experiences that should be recorded, as well as their significance, were listed.

1. The Wicked's Judgment

2. The Love of God for the Saints

3. Various Afflictions and Chastisements inflicted on me and others

4. Making Good on My Promises to Myself and Others

5. The enticing temptations of the world, the triumph of sin, and Satan's deception

6. Worldly Victories, Lusts, Temptations, Corruptions, and Satan

7. God's Providences Observations

10. Beguiling heart deceptions

Here are the first two examples that Ambrose offered us, which were most likely drawn from his own journal. Preston's perspective of events during the Civil War is fascinating…. (picture 177)

In one of them, vengeance for drinking occurs, and Puritans expected retribution—there is no doubt that Agnes' father was punished for his abuse of Agnes. Mr Farrow, an anti-Puritan, is also chastised in Agnes' writings, though I don't believe he is a Papist like the unfortunates in Ambrose's diary.

Evidences—Isaac Ambrose's own Evidences—are on the next page of your handout. You can probably tell where this originated from now. It stemmed from a desire to demonstrate that you were elected. Everyone was invited to present their ‘Evidences for Heaven,' which mainly dealt with how holy they thought they were. Edmund Calamy published Elizabeth Moore's renowned funeral sermon, which featured hers, as ‘Evidences for Heaven.'

Agnes Beaumont took evidence very seriously—it was practically a life or death situation for her. She was suspected of murdering her father, which was minor treason—consider how patriarchal this society is—almost as horrible as genuine treason, and both carried the death penalty. I believe that the attractiveness of this story at the time it was written was as confirmation of her innocence. It was even published under the title ‘Real Faith' a little over 100 years later, proving Agnes Beaumont's religion was correct.

We're dealing with a society that considers words to be proof. To be fair, we still do it in court, under oath—but not with bits of writing.

I just wanted to point you how subjective all of this “proof” is.—

Beaumonts and Ambroses Even more subjective than ‘experiences,' which can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Would any of them be considered “proof” today? They're all about feelings, which is significant because feelings WERE evidence for Puritans. On the opposite side of the Evidences page, you'll notice that they occasionally had to make do without the correct sentiments—and then they had to believe in God's promises in the Bible, which is why the feelings are backed up by a column of Bible references. This is also true of Agnes' story, which is filled with emotions and Bible connections.

I'm not sure about you, but I don't think today's diaries are full of such events. Journaling reveals the types of self-concepts you're working with. What are the contents of today's? Emotions, feelings? These would have appeared self-indulgent at the time because they were not regarded important. I know what was in my diary as a teenager, and I was shocked to learn recently that my mother and sister had figured out how to open the simple lock on it. It was all about the boys I was interested in. But that was because I considered my marriage to be the most essential aspect of my life. As a result, my life was a romance that ended before I reached my mid-twenties, and then there was a long void… I could have done with my own Media and Ultima! But, of course, I was reading romances…. I'm hoping things have changed since then. However, this meant that certain details became more important—you read things into glances, conversations, and minor incidents…

I hope you can see how what you think to be your life's fundamental pattern explains how you interpret daily events—a it's framework within which you interpret things.

Agnes Beaumont's journals could be seen as evidence of her love connection with God. There are hints that God is speaking to her, possibly through the Bible. Bunyan came by when she needed a lift to the meeting, which was a nice thing to happen. Dreams that are meaningful. Things that she believes God has placed in her thoughts are coming to her mind. One of the thoughts that came to her was that she should spend the night in the barn with God. This is a historic occasion. God names her ‘beloved' because she is miraculously warm and pleasant. She receives messages from God that she interprets as occurrences in her life—'consider it not unusual concerning the burning tribulations which are to try you,' she says. Of course, these are all taken from the Bible.

All of these events are meaningful to Agnes, but I'm curious whether you've considered how much effort it takes to present them as significant. She wants to present her father's permission to go to the meeting as a work of God, so she describes how stubborn he is, then describes how she must always pray, and finally describes how much God speaks to her when she arrives at the meeting—all of this is done so that we can grasp the full significance of ‘going to the meeting' in her narrative proper.

—as a result, dreams can be prophetic. The apple tree that had fallen to the ground was her dream. This is a very effective storytelling device that can be used in two ways. 1. It creates suspense because she tells us at the time that this dream was significant and relates it to her father's death, which makes it more interesting. 2. It demonstrates God's favor by giving her this dream—and she tells us she had no idea what it meant at the time, which is significant since it proves the dream is genuine. (Of course, it's possible that all of this is just rhetorical—what do you think?)

All of these ‘events,' according to Ambrose, should be recorded in a journal.

This type of thing may be found in most spiritual autobiographies. I believe journals and autobiographies are the same thing—the current concept of autobiography hasn't taken off yet, and I believe most people at the time would find it incredibly self-centered. As Ambrose explains, gathering experience is crucial because it allows you to figure out where you are in your Christian life and what God is doing with you. This material, according to Ambrose, is Evidence—proof that God is operating in you, and as Calvinists know, that stuff is gold dust. This is why autobiographies are filled with the kinds of events outlined above—they serve to establish that you are a member of the chosen few. That, I believe, is why so many journals, manuscripts that no longer exist, are mentioned in funeral sermons as proof that the deceased person was elected.

Because they can help others understand what it's like to be a member of the elect, they're frequently shared in manuscript form as a kind of'scribal publication.'

You have the manuscript sources for Agnes Beaumont's account on your handout, both of which are at the British Library. They're from the Manuscrpt Catalogue of the British Library. These entries have a message for you.