This document discusses tools for spiritual growth in the Christian faith. It begins by stating that baptism in the Spirit is only the beginning and believers must continue growing. Key tools for growth discussed are prayer, Bible study, spiritual reading, teachings, fellowship, sacraments like communion and confession, and serving others. Prayer is emphasized as the primary means of relationship with God, and three principles for successful prayer are outlined: being faithful, led by the Spirit, and centered on Christ. The document encourages availing of the tools God has provided in order to grow in holiness.

1. SESSION 8
GROWING IN THE
SPIRIT

2. The baptism in the Spirit
is only a beginning.
Now we need to grow in
this new life in the Spirit.

7. The outer rim – represents daily Christian life.
The hub - the hub is our Lord Jesus Christ, who
is at the center of our lives.
The spokes - these transmit the power and
direction from the hub to the rim.

9. Prayer is the primary means for
establishing and maintaining a
deep and loving
personal relationship between
ourselves and GOD.

10. 3 important principles
for a successful prayer
life

11. 1. Our PRAYER must be FAITHFUL
a) Decide to spend time with the Lord EVERYDAY!
b) Decide on the practical details
WHEN:
• Decide on a specific time of the day
WHERE:
• Find a place where you will not be disturbed or
distracted.

12. MATTHEW 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room and
shut the door and pray to your Father who is in
secret. And your Father who sees in secret will
reward you.”

13. HOW LONG?
-begin with 5 to 10 minutes, and increase
later.
c) ADOPT a FORMAT
-ACTS – Adoration Contrition Thanksgiving
Supplication
-Use daily prayer guides (e.g., God’s Word Today,
The Word Among Us, Our Daily Bread).

14. 2. Our prayer must be led by the Holy Spirit.
• Scheduled and structured prayer is helpful, but
could make our prayer dry and mechanical.
3. Our prayer must be centered on a relationship
with Jesus.

15. In the Catholic tradition, the
intercession of Mary and the saints
is a powerful tool of prayer. A
devotion to Mary and the saints is
part and parcel of a Catholic’s faith.
Praying the Holy Rosary is such a
tool.

18. 3 ways we can
learn more about
GOD

19. 1. BIBLE
The very word of GOD

20. • We should read the Bible daily.
- start with 10 to 15 minutes.
- pursue a more deliberate study of portions
of the Bible.
- we should make it a goal to read the
whole Bible.

21. 2. Spiritual Reading
-inspirational
stories &
experiences

22. 3. Teachings and
Preachings

23. Sunday homily, in parish events,
in
conferences, etc.

25. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is at work in
us, not just for our personal development
but also to equip us for effective service for
him and his people.
We need to take on the heart of a servant,
just like Jesus.

26. MATTHEW 20:26-28
“26 It shall not be so among you. But
whoever would be great among you must
be your servant, 27 and whoever would be
first among you must be your slave, 28 even
as the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many.”

27. Ways we can serve:
a) First we serve God by the way we live.
* Daily prayer and Scripture reading.
*Pursuit of righteousness and holiness.
b) Perform responsibilities God has given us in our
daily lives.

28. c) Then we serve our fellow men by recognizing
the many built-in opportunities for service in
day-to-day life.
d) We give witness to our faith in Jesus by the
way we live our lives.

29. e) Make ourselves and our resources available
for God’s work.
Time Talent Treasure

30. JAMES 2:14-17
“14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has
faith but does not have works? Can that faith save
him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and
lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them,
“Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving
them the things needed for the body, what good is
that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works,
is dead.”

34. Fellowship refers to almost everything that
Christians do together as a body.
We do not become complete Christians by
ourselves. We must be joined to others in order
to experience the fullness of Christian life.

35. Some ways to experience Christian fellowship.
a) Worship in liturgies, prayer meetings,
conferences.
b) Coming together for teaching and formation.
c) Serving together (like the team in this CLR).
d) Social gatherings.

37. In the Catholic tradition, the most important tool
for spiritual growth are the sacraments. They are
the main channels of God’s grace for our lives.
We recommend frequent confession and
communion.

38. COMMUNION CONFESSION

39. Conclusion
This CLS, your commitment to Christ, the
baptism in the Holy Spirit - all these are
just the beginning of a new life. We are
“babies in Christ” and we need to grow.
Make use of the tools provided by God.
If you are faithful, you will not be
disappointed.

40. Scriptures for daily prayer
Day 1
1 Peter 1:13-16 Day 5 Matthew 20:25-28
2 Matthew 6:5-13 6 James 2:14-17
3 Matthew 18:19-20 7 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
4 Hebrews 4:12-13

41. The Challenge
God’s call for every Christian is to grow in
holiness. To this end, God has provided us with
the tools for growth. Will you eagerly avail of
these tools and strive to be holy as God is holy?

42. MAY GOD BE PRAISED!