6 Key Insights for Deepening Your Spiritual Formation

My house has many closets, including clothes closets, towel closets, a food pantry, a storage closet, a coat closet, and several others. Every residence includes storage rooms for specific items. If you think about your home now, listing the different types of closets you use regularly won't be difficult.

One closet I didn't start using until several years ago was a prayer closet. I didn't understand the concept of a prayer closet until then. I'm continually growing and learning about how to use my prayer closet, which I affectionately call my Prayerea (Prayer area). Within non-negotiable quiet time, intimacy creates a close relationship with God, so close that you can have daily, hourly, minute-by-minute conversations with Him. However, it takes discipline, but not the kind that feels bad. Spiritual intimacy and spiritual discipline go together like peanut butter and jelly. And it is a satisfying combination.

Do you have a prayer closet? Even if your answer is yes, you'll find 6 key insights for deepening your spiritual formation, full ways to connect with God, and your transformation in Christ.

Defining Spiritual Formation

~ Becoming like Christ: Formed & Transformed

Simply put, Christian spiritual formation refers to the transformation of becoming like Christ.

The focus is creation and conversion. God's will is for you to become like His son Jesus Christ. It is such a strong desire of His that Paul uses the word "predestined" in Romans to explain God's longing for you. According to the Bible, God foreknew and predetermined us for transformation into the image of His Son, Jesus, before we were born. This knowledge of us means that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29).

Paul makes this comment in his letter to the Galatians:

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be there with you now" (Galatians 4:19).

The word "formed" is derived from the Greek word morpho, which refers more to a metamorphosis of your internal nature, rather than mere outward changes to your life. God doesn't just want you to stop sinning; he desires to create in you a total change of heart, mind, and soul by coming into His presence to begin the process. When internal transformation occurs, an outward expression follows. Renewal is evident in the ways that you think, speak, and act. There is no doubt that something is happening within you.

~ Living in the presence and power of God through His Spirit

Christian spiritual formation refers to individuals who live in the presence and power of God's Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 shines hope into your heart. It says, "You are no longer ruled by your desires, but by God's Spirit, who lives in you." The Holy Spirit guides you regardless of your actions, whether good or bad. His power steers you away from your selfish desires. By cooperating with the Holy Spirit in giving your whole life over to Him, you consent to his presence within you. This cooperation encompasses your entire being: body, soul, thoughts, feelings, emotions, passions, hopes, fears, and dreams. This action is referred to as the act of sanctification. Read all about it HERE.

When I discovered the availability of the Holy Spirit's power, I instantly wanted that access regularly. I realized I had to submit my whole person to God and first allow Him access to my heart. Once I did that, the freedom I felt deep within me burst forth into an overwhelming joy and freedom! It was like I had been sitting in an uncomfortable straight-backed chair for 40 years, trying to live out the Christian life yet constantly failing. Once I had the power of the Holy Spirit, my seat transformed into a relaxing leather recliner. By allowing Holy Spirit to take the lead, my human doing turned into human being, a place where I could rest in the Presence and just be with Him.

However, as a seeker of knowledge, I couldn't rest until I understood why transformation was an essential part of my Christian walk. 

3 Reasons for Spiritual Formation

~ Key One – transformation into Christian maturity

Throughout your journey as a Christian, the aim is growth in sanctifying grace toward Christian maturity. You develop toward becoming like Christ by using Christ. I found this understanding refreshing as I began my journey of growth in grace at the age of 45. You become molded as you participate in such practices as prayer, spiritual reading, fasting, acts of mercy, and many other things.

Growth in sanctifying grace is the spiritual practice that leads to spiritual formation. Practices or disciplines are intentional and deliberate actions that open you up to becoming completely transformed into the image of Christ. But you, and many others like you, may not like the word "discipline" because it seems harsh or controlling. However, discipline in this case is a verb and is defined as "to train by instruction and exercise." Using spiritual disciplines is not a punishment, but rather a means of freedom toward Christian maturity. When you want to become spiritually stronger, you follow instructions and exercise spiritual disciplines. It is that simple.

~ Key Two – Sharing Knowledge for the Good of Others

The emphasis on spiritual formation is not precisely what you think. Often, this thought leads you to believe that spiritual formation focuses on a personal, intimate relationship with God. Although this is the case, it also has a secondary reason.

I don't want you to think this is a temporary movement toward God that once you have arrived, you've reached the finish line. It is a life-long process that includes community, yes, community. People living during Bible times had a collective mindset. People work for the good of others more than for themselves. Unfortunately, the Western Church has become fragmented and individualistic. The need to serve others through spiritual formation is seldom wholeheartedly explained.

The Christian community intends for God's people to live out their existence in harmony. It is through the very close spiritual relationships that growth takes place. Even though you use a prayer closet to block out the world for a few moments to focus on God, you must not become isolated, thinking there is nothing more. What you learn from God, as you become intimate with Him, is vital to help you grow by sharing what you have learned. This growth is essential for each Christian. Inward focus with outward intention coexists as you become transformed through the process.

~ Key Three – Releasing Free Will

There is no quick change. Spiritual formation takes time to transform you because of your free will. There were, and still are, plenty of days when I didn't want to go into my Prayerea – I felt dread, but I was drawn in. However, when I pushed past my feelings and came before the Father, I was comforted and strengthened through the process. You are partnering with Holy Spirit to be formed and transformed. You're never facing a blank page in your journal or staring at the Bible wondering what's next. Holy Spirit is right there to guide you through classical spiritual practices.

Classic Spiritual Practices

M. Robert Mullholland writes that "[spiritual formation is] …the holistic practice of balanced spiritual disciplines which become a means of God's grace to shape us in the image of Christ for others" (Invitation to a Journey, 103). Another way to say it is that these acts of loving obedience are offered to God regularly and consistently, used for whatever work He purposes to do in and through our lives. But the action is up to you.

Until you allow God's influence, His grace remains stifled. In God's economy, your will comes first. Once you decide you're ready for change, He immediately starts showering you with grace to take off the oppressive power of the enemy and live life to the full. Simply taking a step toward God using any one of these four classic spiritual practices will positively impact your life. Today, I'm focusing on prayer, spiritual reading, and fasting.

~ Key Four - Prayer

If you've spent any time perusing my blogs, you'll know the subject of prayer is a significant theme within my writing. One reason is that it is foundational to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without communicating with your Savior, making decisions can be quite taxing.

Take a walk with me down Communication Street for a couple of minutes. It is a two-way street, yes? Prayer is our communication with God. Prayer is a dialogue between two persons; it is primarily relational, not functional. But generally, a person who prays doesn't stop to allow God to speak. You come to God with your requests, and sometimes your praises, for the most part. I'm not pointing fingers. However, when you take a moment to stop speaking, it is in the silence where you give God access to hear your thoughts, search your heart, and speak words of love into spaces that are broken and hurting. It is His time to shine, His time to demonstrate that His ever-listening ears are open and attentive to your every need.

Henri Nouwen wrote in his book, Letting Go of All Things, "Prayer…is the act of dying to all that we consider to be our own and of being born to a new existence which is not of the world" (p. 6). Prayer brings you closer to the mirror of God that reveals your sin and heals your soul all at the same time. It is the spiritual practice of laying down your old self, accepting your new self, which is Christ.

~ Key Five - Spiritual Reading

Spiritual reading is a two-fold spiritual practice. It means studying the Bible and reading other faith-based literature that upholds sound doctrine to aid in understanding God's Word. Spiritual reading is not a practice for gathering information. It is about formation, not information. I know, mind blown!

Spiritual reading allows God's grace to enter your circle of influence and spread the Gospel. You have complete control over choosing the text rather than letting the Spirit lead you into the Presence. However, by allowing Him to select the text, you yield control to the Spirit, thereby setting aside your agenda.

Bible

Breaking your desire to choose the text and "doing" a study of God's word is a radical concept. Using a lectionary is a good starting point. The liturgical calendar divides the Bible into sections over a period of three years. A primary benefit of using a lectionary is that it keeps one from always heading to their "go-to" favorite passages. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, setting you in a place where the text controls you, not vice versa. But have no fear! There are many ways to study the Bible where the focus is not on your choice, but on the decision of another.

There are two types of Bible study. There are group and individual studies. But when you open up to Scripture, waiting for the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants you to see, there are different ways that you can accomplish that on your own. One way is to use an outline. Several free outlines are available online.

A second option is to study each book of the Bible using a book written by a trusted theologian or scholar. An author I trusted wrote the study book I completed. It took me two years, but it was worth it. I found transformation through the wise words he wrote. Finishing it gave me the second half of spiritual formation – the gift of sharing it with others.

A third option is a form of Bible known as Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is Latin for "Divine Reading," intended to foster communion with God and deepen one's understanding of God's word. Lectio Divina treats the text as the Living Word, not as something to be studied. The focus of Lectio Divina is not a theological analysis of biblical passages, but instead viewing them through Christ as the key to their meaning.[1] By the power of the Holy Spirit, you gain a fresh perspective on your focused reading. You can find guidelines for practicing Lectio Divina HERE.

Faith-Based Literature

Faith-based literature typically finds its way into the self-help section of any bookstore. Although often written on a theme rather than scripture, authors tend to focus on life issues, which can help you walk through a complex subject. Literature of this type works in conjunction with Bible study, often bringing Scripture to life. Other types of faith-based literature include devotionals, biographies, poetry, Christian fiction, and religious commentaries. Whatever you choose, it is essential to research the author's legitimacy beforehand. Engaging in this exercise protects you from unchecked, unknown information.

~ Key Six - Fasting

As a Christian, you do not recognize the need for fasting. You simply believe it only means abstaining from a particular food for a specific time. In your mind, it is more of a separation from something – a standard element of life taken away for a moment, whether during the day or for a more extended period. Although this belief isn't entirely wrong, fasting involves both separation and addition. Let me explain.

Fasting is a crucial aspect of spiritual formation. However, the prophet Isaiah explicitly explains that God prefers a different kind of fasting, one that involves putting on rather than taking away.

God desired a fast that helped others by losing the chains of injustice, untying the cords of the repressive yoke; He wanted to set the oppressed free. God nearly demanded that we share our food with the hungry, shelter the poor, and clothe them. This addition is the real fast God wants. Then God will answer with healing and His Presence (Isaiah 58:6-9). Now, isn't that a different type of fast than you have ever known? Your transformation into Christlikeness will blossom when your perspective shifts from self to others through "addition" fasting.

Conclusion

You are not alone on the path toward formation and transformation into Christlikeness. Through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, you find success. Occasionally, doubt, fear, and dread rear their ugly heads. However, follow the wooing of the Spirit into your quiet place where inexplicable joy, peace, and love reside at the feet of Jesus. God's will is for you to learn and then share those things you receive from Him through your time in the prayer closet. Choose a name for this special place. Anoint your secret place as holy ground – for within those walls, you will receive transformation and appreciate the presence of God.

[1] Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 18). Lectio Divina. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:15, May 29, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lectio_Divina&oldid=1276446167