The Pathway
Rooted in Christ, Growing in His Presence, and Bearing Fruit in Love
The Spiritual Formation Pathway provides a simple framework for understanding how daily Christian practices shape a life rooted in Christ. Using the image of a tree, the pathway shows how believers become established in God’s Word, strengthened through faithful rhythms, and increasingly attentive to His presence.
At the center of the pathway are four core practices: the Daily Office, Lectio Divina, the Living Word, and the Practice of the Presence of God. Together, they help believers pray throughout the day, listen deeply to Scripture, carry God’s Word into daily life, and remain aware that God is present in every moment.
Formation Pathway Courses
Learn the Four Sacred Rhythms
Each Formation Pathway course introduces one of the four core practices, provides its biblical and historical foundation, and offers practical tools for making the rhythm part of everyday life.
The courses are designed to move beyond information. Each one connects directly to a daily exercise that can be practiced on the Christian Practices website.
Practice One
The Practice of the Daily Office
Learning to Order Each Day Around Prayer
Discover the biblical and historic foundations of fixed-hour prayer and begin establishing a sustainable rhythm of prayer throughout the day.
Practice Two
The Practice of Lectio Divina
Learning to Listen Deeply to Scripture
Learn the ancient rhythm of reading, reflecting, responding, and resting as you receive Scripture with prayerful attentiveness.
Practice Three
The Practice of the Living Word
Learning to Carry Scripture Throughout the Day
Develop a daily rhythm of receiving, remembering, and returning to Scripture so that God’s Word becomes active within everyday life.
Practice Four
The Practice of the Presence of God
Learning to Remain Aware of God Through FLOW
Learn to recognize and respond to God’s presence through Focus, Listen, Observe, and Worship in the ordinary places of daily life.
Where to Begin
Begin with One Faithful Rhythm
You do not need to master all four practices at once. Begin with the rhythm that most closely addresses where you are today, and allow it to become part of your life with God. Over time, the four rhythms begin to support one another. Prayer opens us to Scripture. Scripture becomes a living word carried into the day. As we carry that Word, we become increasingly aware of God’s presence in every moment.
Practice the Presence
Practice the presence of God through Focus, Listen, Observe, and Worship.
Invitation to FLOW
The Living Word
Carry Scripture in your heart throughout the day and let it shape your life.
Explore the Living WordContinue the Journey
Certificate in Christian Formation
The Certificate in Christian Formation brings biblical understanding and daily spiritual practice together in one integrated pathway.
Part One
The Story of the Kingdom
Eight Bible Institute courses that trace the biblical story from creation to new creation.
Part Two
The Rhythms of the Kingdom
Four Christian Practices courses that help believers live the biblical story through daily rhythms.
Part Three
Formation Cohort
A guided cohort experience that brings learning, practice, reflection, and community together.
The Goal: A Daily Life Formed in Christ
The purpose of these practices is not the practices themselves. Their purpose is to help us become more attentive and responsive to God. As believers remain rooted in Christ, grounded in Scripture, faithful in prayer, and aware of God’s presence, their lives are gradually shaped to reflect the character of Jesus.