Uncomplicated: Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines: Experiencing God’s Love in Everyday Life
Ever feel like faith is just one big to-do list? Pray a certain way, read a specific number of Bible verses—like there's some sort of spiritual gold star system? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
I fall into this thought process far more often than I’d like to admit.
Somewhere along the way, spiritual disciplines got a reputation for being rigid religious checkboxes. But what if they weren’t about earning God’s love—but experiencing it?
Before we jump in all the way… let me say this:
If you are at a point in your journey where you feel like you have this “down,” I want to encourage you to read through this with a fresh set of eyes- as if today is day one of your faith journey. For me, getting back to the basics is something I need to do constantly. Let’s keep it simple, and take it slow- and see what God has for us today!
What Are Spiritual Disciplines, Really?
Spiritual disciplines are simply ways we connect with God—prayer, reading Scripture, serving, resting. But here’s the key: they’re not about proving ourselves to Him. They’re about drawing closer to Him.
One of the most difficult transitions in our faith journey is shifting from “I have to” to “I get to” and it’s vital-
When we shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this,” our faith stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a relationship. Instead of striving for perfection, we start seeing spiritual disciplines as invitations—tailored to our personal journey with God.
From Obligation to Relationship
One reason spiritual disciplines can feel heavy? We treat them like homework. But what if we saw them as relational tools instead?
Think about how you stay connected with a friend or spouse. You don’t text them because you have to—you do it because you want to. Same with God. It’s not about checking a box. It’s about conversation with the One who loves you most.
Key Spiritual Disciplines (and How to Actually Enjoy Them)
Let’s break down some of the big ones—and reframe how we approach them:
1. Reading Scripture
Instead of seeing Bible reading as an obligation, what if we saw it as reading messages from a God who wants to speak to us? If you’re not sure where to start, try the Gospel of John—it’s a firsthand account of Jesus' life that helps us really see who He is.
✨ Try this: Use a Bible app that sends daily verse notifications, or read just one chapter a day. Don’t stress about finishing a set amount—just focus on what stands out to you.
Even if you’re someone who is already consistently in scripture, take a step back today and keep it really simple, and see what God has for you- You may be surprised by how profound keeping it simple can be!
2. Prayer
Prayer isn’t a formal script or a wishlist—it’s a conversation. Sometimes, it’s as simple as: “Jesus, thank You for today.”
✨ Try this: If structured prayers feel overwhelming, start with short, honest chats throughout the day. Even a quick, “God, what do You want me to see today?” can shift your heart.
If you feel like you have prayer down, take a moment to talk to someone about prayer, and sharing what you’ve learned during your faith journey.
3. Silence & Solitude
Jesus often withdrew to be alone with God (Luke 5:16). That quiet space? It helps us tune in to His presence.
✨ Try this: Your solitude doesn’t have to be a dramatic wilderness retreat. It can be sitting in the car for a moment before work, a quiet walk, or just lying in bed at night reflecting on your day.
Real talk? For me it’s not always about finding the quiet in the chaos of the day, it’s finding quiet in my own mind and heart. I’ll give you one tip: Sometimes I need to occupy the distractible part of my mind so I can truly find peace. For me those are things like gardening, playing music or going for a walk- Almost mindless things that keep my hands moving, but my mind quiet and my heart open.
4. Community & Serving
Faith was never meant to be a solo journey. Surrounding ourselves with faith-filled community helps us grow.
✨ Try this: Find one way to connect—whether it’s a small group, a Bible study, or serving at church. Watch how God works through relationships!
In my life, serving side by side with others is one of the fastest and most effective ways to bond. It’s not always easy in the rhythm of life, but try to find a way to work side by side with someone else, and see what happens!
5. Sabbath & Rest
God designed rest for our good (Mark 2:27). It’s not laziness—it’s trust.
✨ Try this: Set aside a few hours (or a whole day) to slow down. Spend time with loved ones, unplug, and acknowledge God’s presence in your life.
Rest in my house looks like board games, gardening, reading, lightsaber fights– really… rest looks like being together for us. It’s tough to shut down the never ending list of things to do but it’s important! (she said while typing away at 10:07pm…. )
How to Start (Without Overcomplicating It)
If spiritual disciplines have felt overwhelming, start small:
✅ Bookend Your Day with God: Say “Jesus, be with me today” in the morning and “Where did I see You today?” at night.
✅ Find Natural Rhythms: Pray while making coffee, listen to worship music while driving, read a bible story with your kids at bed time, or listen to scripture while taking a shower. (It’s a miracle I haven’t drowned my phone….)
✅ Keep It Simple: Start with one small practice and build from there. Faith isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about steady steps toward God.
✅ Embrace the Imperfection: There’s no perfect way to “do” spiritual disciplines. God isn’t after perfection—He’s after you.
Final Thought: It’s About Experience, Not Earning
Spiritual disciplines aren’t about performance. They’re an invitation—to experience God’s love more deeply in your daily life. When we stop seeing them as burdens and start seeing them as gifts, they become life-giving instead of guilt-inducing.
So, what’s one small step you can take today to connect with God? Let’s ditch the guilt trips and lean into grace—where faith isn’t an obligation but an experience.
👇 Let’s keep the conversation going: What spiritual discipline has been the most meaningful in your life? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear!
