Introducing the Jesus Summer Challenge

You’re here for a reason. Maybe your soul feels weary or dry. Maybe your heart longs to go deeper with God but doesn’t quite know where to begin. Maybe you’re new to following Jesus and you have no idea what’s next. Or perhaps you simply want to return to the quiet strength of walking closely with Jesus.

This challenge isn’t about doing more. It’s about being; being intentional in your walk with Jesus, being present with those you love, being immersed in God’s Word, being in the Secret Place of prayer. It’s about being a follower of Jesus and becoming more like Him. It's about slowing down and learning how to abide again—how to be with God in His Word, in prayer, in stillness, and in the quiet moments where transformation begins.

Over the next 12 weeks, you’ll walk through the Gospel of Luke, the Book of Acts and the letters of Paul. You’ll practice daily spiritual disciplines like Scripture reading, biblical meditation, solitude, silence, prayer, taking care of your body, minimizing distractions, and Sabbath rest. You’ll learn how to meet God in the secret place and let His Word shape your life, your thoughts, and your desires.

This journey is not something we do in our own strength. Spiritual disciplines are not burdens; they are sacred invitations. They position us to receive more of God. And as we stay faithful—not perfectly, but with a willing heart—the Holy Spirit will empower us, teach us, and transform us.

If you rely on God’s strength and stay disciplined, by God’s grace, here’s what you can expect:

• A renewed hunger for God’s Word

• A deeper awareness of His presence

• Strengthened spiritual habits that last beyond summer

• A fresh sense of joy, peace, and clarity

• And most of all—greater intimacy with Jesus

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

Come ready. Come committed. Come surrendered.

Let’s abide in the Word and in the Secret Place of Prayer with the Holy Spirit leading the way.

Welcome to your summer of spiritual disciplines,

Rachel Lynn Lawrence

First, you’ll need to sign up here for the free challenge so we can send you the workbook, reading bookmark, and everythign you need to keep you on track for a Jesus Summer!

Before you begin this 12-week journey, take some time to prepare.

These simple tools will help you stay grounded and get the most out of your time in the Word and in the secret place with Jesus.

1. A Bible You Can Understand and Engage With and an Audio Bible

You’ll be reading deeply and often, so choose a translation that helps

you hear God’s voice clearly. We will also be listening to God’s Word,

in addition to reading it. Download an Audio Bible, like Dwell, or

familiarize yourself with YouVersion Bible app’s audio feature.

We recommend:

• The Fire Bible (ESV) – A Spirit-filled study Bible with notes and commentary

• ESV, Amplified, or NLT Study Bibles – Solid and readable translations

• The Message (MSG) – Optional for extra insight in modern language

The Fire Bible is especially helpful if you’re newer to in-depth study and want biblical truth paired with Spirit-filled application. This challenge focuses on spiritual disciplines and encountering Jesus through habitual and disciplined spiritual practices. While the majority of this challenge will utilize the ABIDE Devotional Disciple Practice, we will also touch on the inductive Bible study method. If you are looking for more resources on the inductive Bible study method, look at our resource page here: www.discipleco.org/resources

2. This Workbook to Guide You Through + to Journal

While there are aspects of this challenge that will be done daily, there are also aspects of spiritual discipline that will grow as you progress through the weeks. Use your journal to guide you through this challenge, respond to daily ABIDE prompts (more on the ABIDE Method as you start week 1), reflect on what God is showing you, and keep track of insights, questions, or prayers. While it may seem tedious to journal, it is intentionally so. When we take the time to slow down and reflect on what God is saying through His Word and His Spirit, we will become transformed and renewed. This journal becomes your personal space of encounter.

3. A Quiet Place + Consistent Time for Spiritual and Physical Disciplines.

This challenge involves being both spiritually and physically disciplined. Plan now when you will commit to spending 30-45 minutes per day (for 6 days per week) in the ABIDE Devotional Disciple Practice, which day will be your Sabbath Rest day, and when you will spend at least 30 minutes per day in physical activity while listening to God’s Word. When choosing a place and time where you can meet with God daily, expect to spend 30-45 minutes each day with Jesus. We recommend following Jesus’ example, where He often woke up early and went to a place of solitude to be with His Father. If waking up early is not an option in your season of life, try spending the time during your lunch break, right when you get off of work, or before bed.

4. Your Reading Tracker Bookmark + ABIDE Pages

On the following pages, you’ll find a printable 12-week Bible reading tracker. Cut it out and fold it in half to use as a bookmark inside your Bible. This simple tool helps you stay on track, keep momentum, and celebrate progress as you go. This download includes one week of ABIDE daily pages, but we suggest printing extras for the entirety of the challenge to record and journal your time abiding in the Word and prayer.

5. Community is Key

This study is powerful when done together. Spiritual disciplines grow deeper with support and accountability.

You’re invited to:

• Join our free Facebook group for more teaching, encouragement, community check-ins, and shared growth

• Invite your church or small group to join you

• Start a group in your home or over coffee—even two or three people can make a huge impact

You were never meant to walk alone. Discipleship is a journey, and community is vital to stay the course.

6. A Willing Heart

You don’t have to do this perfectly. Come with openness, hunger, and a willingness to be shaped by the Spirit. God delights in your desire to know Him more. While we aim to be disciplined, we also accept God’s grace and reject shame if we fall behind.

Let’s begin—together. This is your summer to abide, grow, and be renewed.

So, what is the Jesus Summer Challenge, exactly? The Jesus Summer Challenge is comprised of these daily disciplines + sabbath rest:

1. ABIDE Daily Devotion (30–45 min):

Spend intentional time in Scripture, prayer, and reflection using the

ABIDE Devotional Disciple Practice and Reading Pln. Use the journal pages

to record what God is showing you. For more support, join our Facebook

group for weekly teaching.

2. Daily Movement (30 min):

Engage in physical activity of your choice (walk, run, bike, lift, etc.) while

listening to the day’s Bible passage on repeat. Let God's Word renew your

mind and strengthen your body as you soak in Scripture.

3. Weekly Scripture Memory:

Meditate on and memorize the weekly verse to plant God’s Word deeper in

your heart.

4. Limit Media Use:

Keep unnecessary media /social media use under 30 minutes a day to stay

focused and present to those around you, abiding in Jesus instead of your

phone/media.

5. Weekly Sabbath:

Take one day each week to rest, worship, and realign your heart with God.

6. Share + Invite:

Each week, tell someone what God is doing in your life, share your

testimony, or about what you’re learning through abiding in His Word.

Invite a friend to join, form a small group, or post your journey using

#JesusSummer and tag @discipleco.