July 17, 2025
If Jesus came as Light so we wouldn’t remain in darkness, then spiritual disciplines are the way that we can walk in the light.
They are patterns of practical obedience that slowly, steadily shape us into people of purpose.
Years ago, I read Disciplines of a Godly Man — and it really spoke to me.
I’m a practical person. I like things I can act on. Big dreams don’t scare me — but vague ones do.
This book reminded me that the way to the life God calls us to isn’t through massive leaps... it’s through small, intentional steps. Daily. Repeated. Quiet. Unseen.
That’s the essence of Cathedral Thinking.
Cathedral Thinking is the mindset of beginning something today that might not be finished in your lifetime, like the master builders who laid foundations for cathedrals their great-grandchildren would complete.
In Disciplines of a Godly Man, Hughes outlines 17 practices across relationships, soul, character, and ministry that are the stones of your spiritual cathedral. They don’t always yield instant results, but over time, they shape your heart, leadership, and life into something aligned with God’s purpose.
Here are five disciplines to start building your spiritual cathedral this week. They’re simple, intentional steps to pull you out of darkness and into God’s light:
Read and meditate on one passage of Scripture daily.
No need for a set number of verses - just read thoughtfully. Try Psalm 1 or Romans 8 this week.
Talk to God like He’s listening (because He is). Set two alarms on your phone - once in the morning, once mid-afternoon - for 2–3 minutes of prayer.
Thank Him, confess, or ask for guidance. Every prayer is a quiet moment of construction, building a lifelong connection with your Creator.
Be the same when no one’s watching. Keep your word, especially when it costs you. Reflect on one area where your actions don’t match your values and take one step to correct it this week.
Every honest act strengthens the structure – and that produces benefits generations into the future.
Worship reorients your heart to God’s glory, daily and in community.
Listen to one worship song each day. Close your eyes and cry out, lifting your soul toward God.
This is one of my favorites on repeat if you'd like a recommendation of where to start.
Don’t give up when it’s hard.
Ask, “Where do I need to keep showing up?” Commit to one discipline (like Scripture reading) every day this week and track your progress.
Perseverance is laying stones day after day, trusting that God will complete the good work started in you.
I recommend getting the book. It really spoke to me. It might speak to you, too.
- Get Disciplines of a Godly Man
- Get Disciplines of a Godly Woman
and you don’t escape darkness overnight. But you don’t have to remain there.
With each small, faithful discipline, the Light gets in. The foundation strengthens. The structure grows. God does eternal things through earthly habits.
