I sat recently listening to a friend as she mused about how difficult it is to find time to spend with the Lord. I can totally relate, and I’m sure you can, too. If you’ve ever tried to have a quiet time while reheating coffee (for the third time), folding last week’s laundry, and refereeing squabbles over cereal bowls, you already know this truth: spiritual discipline requires intentionality. I want to explore what spiritual disciplines are and explore several key spiritual disciplines for today’s woman and see how we can reclaim them with grace and consistency. I believe, with everything in me, that spiritual disciplines are the key to being rooted, ready, and refreshed to do whatever the Lord wants us to do in every season.
Spiritual Disciplines for Today’s Woman
It’s true that it is way easier to flick our finger up for the next reel in search of a laugh or a moment of mind-numbing quiet than it is to tune in to our heart and mind to Holy Spirit and listen to what the Lord would have to say to us. Is it any wonder, then, that after a while we’ve no idea what we’re doing, who we’ve become, or how we’ve gotten here? Our culture is driven by speed and distraction, but the truth is, all of that speed and distraction gets us nowhere… fast. The things that shape us into the likeness of Christ, practices that were once called spiritual disciplines, are not only necessary, they are soul-sustaining and they put the timeless tools in our toolbox that tether us to the heart of God. They refresh us when we’re weary, anchor us regardless of what we’re doing, and grow us when we’re stagnant. So, what are spiritual disciplines?
What Are Spiritual Disciplines?
Spiritual disciplines are biblical practices that cultivate spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with the Lord. They are not rituals performed to earn favor; they are rhythms of grace that posture our hearts to receive from Him. These disciplines make room for God to transform us, guiding us from shallow living to Spirit-led maturity.
From the early church to today’s believers, Christians have returned to these practices as a means of abiding in Christ. Just as exercise strengthens the body, spiritual disciplines strengthen our souls. They slow us down, sharpen our focus, and center our identity on what matters most: intimacy with God.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 tells us that we should train ourselves to godliness. Training requires discipline. The goal is a life that reflects the character of Christ. Whether you are a new believer or have walked with Jesus for decades, these practices meet you where you are and draw you closer to Him.
Prayer: The Lifeline of Relationship
Prayer is not just a discipline; it is a lifeline. It isn’t about crafting perfect sentences; it’s about surrendering your heart before the Lord. Whether whispered in carpool lines or poured out in tear-streaked journals, prayer invites God into every corner of our lives.
Pray about everything. All the things. The little things. The big things. The things you don’t think matter things. Because God is a God of details. And He cares. When anxiety creeps in, pray. When the bills fall due before the paycheck hits, pray. When the doctor sits down with a serious face and says we need to talk, pray. When you are powerless to save your child from their testimony, pray. In every situation. Pray. Talk to God like He’s your closest friend (He is). Keep a prayer journal and write out prayers so that you can come back and see how they’ve been answered. And if need convincing, here a few verses that encourage us to pray…
‘ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.’ Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
‘So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.’ Matthew 7:11 NLT
‘I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.’ Mark 11:24 NLT
‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.’ Ephesians 6:18 NLT
‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:6-7
‘So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.’ Hebrews 4:16 NLT
I could keep going, but I think you get the point. Our prayers should be many, and they should be BOLD. We have to understand who we are and that we have an invitation to come before Him boldly with our requests.
Bible Study: Feeding the Soul
It is said that the average Christian household owns 4.4 Bibles, often in different translations or formats. I have more than that just on the shelf next to my work desk, but I suppose as a pastor, I don’t qualify? Even still, the Bible is not a decorative book for the shelf; it’s daily bread for the soul. Without it, we starve spiritually. Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming; it needs to be consistent and rooted in a desire to know God more deeply.
‘All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.’ 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
I recently shared an article on how to build a daily devotional routine that works for you. You really can start simple by just reading a chapter a day. Use a reading plan, like the Solid Life Whole Bible Reading Plan on the Bible App, is a great place to start. You can also study one book slowly. Choose a translation that speaks clearly to you. I use the NKJV for study and the NLT for leisure reading. I also use the NIV a lot, as I have multiple iterations of it lying around. The ESV, KJV, Amplified, NASB, and CSB are great, too. I just have my preferences, LOL. You’ll develop you’re own, too, LOL. I would recommend against using paraphrases for study, but they are fine for leisure reading.
I encourage everyone to pause and ask Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word before you begin reading. Then, if you’re the journaling type, use a journal to write what stands out, what convicts, and what comforts. Even if you’re not the journaling type, maybe jot a few things in the notes app on your phone here and there. You might surprise yourself.
Worship: Living in Awe
Worship is not confined to Sunday mornings; it is the overflow of a heart in awe of God. It’s found in song, in service, in stillness. Whether you’re washing dishes or walking the dog, worship can happen anywhere.
‘For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NLT
Make worship a daily rhythm. Start the day with a worship playlist. Sing aloud while you clean. Reflect on God’s goodness while on a walk. Worship shifts our focus from problems to the Problem-Solver; it transforms mundane moments into holy ones. I was recently worshiping with this the song, Gratitude by Brandon Lake, and there’s this part of the song that goes,
So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I couldn’t help but think that hallelujah will do a whole lot in the heavenlies. There are times when all we have is a hallelujah, and the Lord says, “Bring that. Just bring the hallelujah you’ve got, Sis. I’ve got everything else you need for this battle and the victory is secured. Just bring that hallelujah, because it’s in the bag.” So, I’ll drag myself before the King, again and again, even if all I have is my hallelujah, because He says, bring that.
Fasting: Making Room for More of God
Fasting humbles our hearts, sharpens our focus, and draws us closer to God’s presence. It is not about depriving ourselves for the sake of hardship; it is about creating space to seek God more intentionally. In a culture of overindulgence, fasting is a countercultural act of devotion.
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” Matthew 6:17-18 ESV
If you’re unable to fast an entire day for medical reasons, try a social media fast, a sugar fast, fast a single meal, or elements from a meal. Replace that time with prayer and Bible reading. The point is that fasting trains our hearts to hunger for God above all else.
And, I’ll probably step on some toes here, I’m sure, but fasting is not optional. Jesus said when you fast. Not if. HOW you fast is between you and the Lord. But IF you are a follower of Christ, it is already presumed that you will be fasting as part of your relationship with the Father.
Sabbath: Rest as Resistance
In a world that idolizes hustle, rest is a sacred discipline. Sabbath is not just a day off; it is an intentional pause to remember that God is God and we are not.
‘“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.’ Exodus 20:8 NLT
‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28 ESV
Set aside one day a week to unplug from the demands of work and technology. Spend time with family, enjoy creation, read Scripture, or simply rest. Sabbath is an act of trust; it reminds us that God sustains all things, not our striving.
Fellowship: Growing Together
We are meant to live life in community. We were never meant to live life solo, or alone. While some people do enjoy being on their own, for the most part, we are designed to grow and thrive together. We grow best in community, sharpening one another, encouraging one another, and bearing each other’s burdens.
‘Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.’ Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Whether through church small groups, Bible studies, or friendships rooted in faith, commit to regular fellowship. Confide in godly women who will speak truth, pray with you, and challenge you to keep growing. We are stronger when we walk together. Even if it’s just one or two other women, invite community and be intentional about it.
Stewardship: Honoring God with What We Have
I began my walk of faith in 1997. When I did, I determined that I wanted to be found faithful in stewarding my time, my talents, and my treasure. Everything we have—our time, talent, and yes, our treasure (or resources), is a gift from God. While it is a part of it, stewardship is not just about tithing. It is about recognizing God’s ownership and honoring Him with every aspect of life. And there is debate about whether tithing is biblical (Old Testament vs New Testament, etc, etc). Personally, I believe Jesus taught and commended radical generosity that went beyond the tithe. Jesus did talk about tithing (see Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, Luke 18:12). However, Jesus highlights the importance of sacrificial giving as seen in the story of the poor widow who gave all she had (Mark 12:41-44).
‘Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.’ 1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
Give generously as Holy Spirit leads, serve with joy, and manage your home, finances, and schedule with prayerful intention. Stewardship is an act of worship; it keeps our hearts grateful and our priorities aligned with God’s.
Be Rooted, Not Rushed
Spiritual disciplines are not about rigid routines or checking boxes. They are invitations to dwell in the presence of God and be transformed by His Spirit. They tether our hearts to truth when emotions swirl, when life overwhelms, and when distractions tempt us to drift.
These practices are not legalistic burdens; they are lifelines that connect us to the One who knows us best and loves us most. When a woman lives with spiritual discipline, she is not just surviving; she is thriving, rooted, ready, and refreshed.
One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 1. It is life to the soul, and is the first Psalm I ever memorized.
‘Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.’
Let your spiritual disciplines be the roots that anchor you through every season. Whether you’re raising toddlers or leading teams, God is faithful to meet you in your seeking.
Stay rooted in Him. Let His Word dwell richly in you. And remember: spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. It grows by grace through intentional pursuit.
Healthy roots produce lasting fruit.
