7 Spiritual Disciplines That Help Christians Grow Closer to God
Growing closer to God often happens through small, faithful choices: opening your Bible before reaching for your phone, praying honestly during a difficult day, or stepping away from noise long enough to listen.
These practices are called spiritual disciplines—intentional habits that help us pay attention to God and respond to His Word. They do not earn His love. Instead, they help us live more fully in the love and grace He has already offered through Jesus Christ.
Paul describes the value of spiritual training in 1 Timothy 4:7–8:
“Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…” —1 Timothy 4:7–8, ESV (excerpt)
Just as physical training requires consistent effort, growing in godliness involves practice. We depend on the Holy Spirit as we develop habits that shape how we think, love, and live.
Here are seven spiritual disciplines that can help you grow closer to God.
1. Prayer: Build a Habit of Honest Conversation With God
Prayer invites us to bring our whole lives before God—our gratitude, questions, needs, and struggles. You do not need impressive words or a perfectly quiet mind to begin.
Jesus taught His followers to pray with sincerity rather than performing for others (Matthew 6:5–13, ESV). Prayer is an expression of relationship and dependence, not a presentation to get right.
Try this: Set aside five minutes each morning. Thank God for one specific blessing, confess what needs to change, and ask for His help with the day ahead.
When your attention wanders, gently return to Him. Faithful prayer begins with showing up honestly.
2. Scripture: Let God’s Word Shape Your Thinking
Reading the Bible helps us understand God’s character, recognize His truth, and learn what faithful living looks like. Scripture does more than provide encouragement; it also teaches, corrects, and equips us (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV).
The goal is not simply to finish a reading plan. It is to understand what you read and respond in faith.
Try this: Read a short passage from the Gospel of Mark or a psalm each day. Consider its context, then ask:
What does this passage reveal about God?
What does it teach about how people respond to Him?
How can I put this truth into practice today?
Write down one sentence you want to remember. A few verses read thoughtfully can give you something meaningful to return to throughout the day.
3. Fasting: Make Room for Greater Dependence on God
Biblical fasting generally involves going without food for a period of time to seek God through prayer. Jesus spoke about fasting as a practice directed toward the Father, not an opportunity to impress others (Matthew 6:16–18, ESV).
Fasting does not pressure God into answering us. It reminds us that our deepest dependence is on Him.
Try this: If going without food is appropriate for your health, begin with a modest fast and devote that time to prayer. If food fasting is not suitable for you, consider setting aside a distraction, such as social media, to create intentional time with God.
Let the interruption in your routine become a reminder to pray: “Lord, help me seek You and depend on You.”
4. Solitude: Step Away From Noise to Be With God
Our days can become crowded with messages, responsibilities, and constant input. Solitude creates space to give God our attention.
Jesus regularly withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16, ESV). His example shows that stepping away can be part of faithful living, even when other people need us.
Solitude is not the same as withdrawing from Christian community. It is intentional time alone with God that helps us return to daily life with renewed attention.
Try this: Spend five to ten minutes in a quiet place with your phone out of reach. Read a short Scripture passage, pray, and sit quietly before God.
You do not have to manufacture a profound experience. Bring Him your thoughts and concerns, and let Scripture guide your reflection.
5. Worship: Turn Your Attention Toward Who God Is
Worship helps us remember God’s goodness, holiness, and faithfulness. Singing is one expression of worship, but worship also includes offering our everyday lives to Him (Romans 12:1, ESV).
We can worship when life feels joyful and when circumstances remain difficult. Worship gives us words of trust even before our feelings catch up.
Try this: Read a psalm aloud, sing a hymn or worship song, or thank God for a specific aspect of His character.
Then carry that worship into your choices. Honesty, patience, and obedience can all express your desire to honor Him.
6. Fellowship: Grow Alongside Other Believers
Christian growth includes learning to love and be loved within a community of faith. Other believers can encourage us, help us understand Scripture, pray with us, and challenge us when we need correction.
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) calls Christians to gather and encourage one another toward love and good works.
Try this: Take one step beyond attending a service. Join a Bible study, ask a trusted Christian to pray with you, or share an honest answer when someone asks how you are doing.
Meaningful fellowship grows as we make room for both encouragement and accountability.
7. Service: Put Your Faith Into Action
Serving others helps us practice the humility and love Jesus demonstrated. He described His own mission in terms of serving rather than being served (Mark 10:45, ESV).
Service can also reveal where we struggle with pride, impatience, or the desire for recognition. These moments become opportunities to ask God to shape our hearts.
Try this: Choose one practical act of service this week. Prepare a meal, help a neighbor, volunteer through your church, or give someone your undivided attention.
Ask, “Who can I love well today?” Then take a specific step.
Start Small: A Five-Day Spiritual Discipline Challenge
You do not need to begin all seven spiritual disciplines at once. Choose a practice you can approach consistently, with a heart open to God.
Choose one spiritual discipline—prayer, Scripture, fasting, or solitude—and practice it at the same time for five days. Note what God teaches you.
Make your plan specific: “After breakfast, I will spend ten minutes reading Scripture,” or “Before bed, I will set aside five minutes for prayer.” If you choose fasting, use that daily appointment for focused prayer and plan any food fast with your health in mind.
After each practice, briefly reflect:
What did I learn about God through His Word?
What did I notice about my attitudes or habits?
What is one faithful response I can make?
Measure impressions against Scripture, and do not be discouraged if some days feel ordinary. Spiritual growth is not always immediately visible.
The invitation of 1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV) is to keep training in godliness. Begin with one small act of faithfulness, depend on God’s grace, and return to Him tomorrow.