Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists by Henry H. Knight III (Abingdon Press, 2001)
This book is a study of eight life-enriching practices: prayer, Bible study, Holy Communion, healing and renewal, Christian conferencing, Christian lifestyle (including fasting, tithing, and simple living), serving our neighbors, and witnessing. Two additional chapters provide an introduction to the study, exploring what it means to hunger for a relationship with God and providing an introduction to Wesley’s means of grace. Questions for discussion are included with each chapter.
Leadership from the Heart and Serving from the Heart by Carol Cartmill and Yvonne Gentile (Abingdon Press, 2004 and 2002, respectively)
These two curriculum resources were designed by the leadership development team at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Leadership from the Heart is a 10-session study that prepares servant leaders through a focus on personal spiritual practices, spiritual maturity, calling, transformation, and team building. Serving from the Heart is an 8-session study that prepares people for serving God and neighbor by helping them to discover their spiritual gifts and to put those gifts to work in those ministries for which they are best suited. Serving others can be a means of grace, particularly when we are serving as God calls and equips us to serve.
The Power of Holy Habits by William H. Hinson (Abingdon Press, 1991)
The author intended for this book to be given to new church members or others who wish to renew their faith commitment. It is not designed as a curriculum piece, and has no questions for discussion. However, it would be a valuable book to read and discuss with a small group or adult Sunday school class. The book is written in a very readable style, with many stories from both scripture and personal experience. It focuses on ten disciplines: prayer, worship, sacraments, fellowship, giving, witnessing, Bible reading, meditation, forgiveness and exemplary living.
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (InterVarsity Press, 2005)
This resource describes sixty-two spiritual practices, grouped into seven categories, including worship, prayer, scripture study, and sharing life with others. Each practice is illustrated by brief overviews in both chart and narrative form. Reflection questions, spiritual exercises, and a list of resources for further exploration are also included for each discipline. There are also an amazing number of other resources in the back of the book, including plans for using the book with congregations and with small groups. This would be a fantastic reference book for any person, class, small group, or church that wants to become more intentional about spiritual disciplines, and it could also serve as a curriculum resource.
Fasting -- Resource 1 Resource 2