Spiritual habits help us grow closer to God and experience His presence.

The last two sections focused on building the foundation of your new identity in Christ and His kingdom. Later, we’ll focus on understanding some basic truths about Jesus, God, the Bible, etc. Before we get to that, though, it’s important to know that following Jesus is not just about what you believe. It’s about how you live each day. As you continue growing in your faith, you’ll form rhythms and habits that help you stay connected to God and healthy in your spiritual life. These habits are not about earning God’s approval. They’re about enjoying His presence and growing in His grace.

The Bible calls us to abide in Christ (which means to live, remain, or dwell in a relationship with Him), trusting and relying on His grace and love, and actively seeking to follow His teachings and will. It calls us to pray without ceasing, meditate on His Word, and walk by the Spirit. These are daily invitations—not duties—meant to help you know God more intimately and become more like Christ. Over time, these rhythms begin to shape your thoughts, your decisions, and your relationships.

This section focuses on five foundational habits: prayer, reading the Bible, worship, living in Christian community, and practicing Sabbath. Each of these practices helps you stay rooted in Christ and connected to the family of God. You’ll learn to talk with God, listen for His voice, and let His Word shape your life. You’ll also discover the beauty of resting in God’s presence, worshiping with joy, and growing together with others in the church.

In this stage of your journey, don’t be discouraged by small beginnings. Spiritual habits grow slowly, but their impact lasts forever. As you learn to practice them with consistency and grace, you’ll find yourself becoming more aware of God’s nearness and more responsive to His guidance.

Growing Closer to God

These spiritual practices will help you keep your relationship with God alive and healthy. Try one or more of the following each day:

• Set aside five minutes to talk with God—no script needed, no devotional, just honesty in the presence of God.
• Make time during the day, especially when you feel yourself becoming anxious, to Relax (take deep breaths), Release (holding your worries in your fists then releasing them at the feet of Jesus), and Receive God’s truth by repeating to yourself: “God, I’m listening. Speak to me today.”
• Text or call someone from your church or small group and pray for them.