Spiritual intimacy with God is the longing of every believer’s heart. Yet, in the chaos of modern life, growing closer to God can often feel like an elusive goal. The good news is: closeness to God isn’t dependent on location, mood, or perfection—it happens through intentional daily choices.
This article explores practical, biblical steps that can help you experience a deeper, more personal relationship with God right in the midst of your ordinary routines.
Make God Your First Priority
The first and most foundational step in growing closer to God is to put Him first. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This isn’t just about early-morning devotions—it’s about placing God at the center of your heart, decisions, and day.
Ways to prioritize God:
- Begin your morning with prayer and Scripture
- Invite God into your schedule and decision-making
- Let your values and actions reflect His principles
When God becomes your priority, every area of life aligns more closely with His will.
Spend Time in the Word Daily
God speaks through His Word. Reading the Bible daily allows you to understand His character, know His promises, and be guided in truth. It’s how you get to know Him more deeply.
Tips for engaging with Scripture:
- Use a reading plan to stay on track
- Highlight verses that speak to you
- Reflect: What does this reveal about God? How should I respond?
- Write down insights in a journal
Even 15 focused minutes a day can have a profound spiritual impact.
Talk to God Throughout the Day
Prayer isn’t limited to a specific time or format. It’s an open line of communication between you and your Heavenly Father. He desires to hear your voice—not only in crises, but in the mundane, joyful, or quiet moments of life.
Ways to talk to God daily:
- Whisper a prayer while doing chores
- Ask Him for wisdom before meetings or decisions
- Express gratitude during walks or drives
- End your day with a conversation thanking Him for His presence
Prayer becomes natural when you see it as relationship, not ritual.
Recognize God in Ordinary Moments
Spiritual growth often happens in the most unspiritual-looking places: traffic jams, grocery lines, coffee breaks. The key is learning to look for God in every moment.
Ways to recognize God’s presence:
- Thank Him for small blessings (a sunny day, a kind word)
- See interruptions as opportunities for grace
- Reflect on how He might be using everyday events for your growth
God is always speaking—our job is to slow down and listen.
Practice Listening More Than Speaking
In your relationship with God, listening is just as important as talking. Many believers struggle to hear from God simply because they don’t create space for silence.
Tips for listening to God:
- Sit quietly after prayer and wait for His nudges
- Read Scripture slowly, asking Him to speak through it
- Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts
- Journal what you sense God might be saying
God often speaks in whispers, not shouts. Make room to hear Him.
Be Obedient to What You Already Know
Sometimes believers feel distant from God not because He’s silent, but because they haven’t responded to what He’s already revealed. Obedience draws us closer to Him.
How to practice obedience:
- Revisit areas where God has prompted action or change
- Make practical steps to align with biblical truths
- Seek accountability to walk in obedience
- Repent quickly when you fall short, and return to Him
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience shows trust and deepens intimacy.
Build Spiritual Habits That Fit Your Life
Your spiritual walk doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. What matters is consistency and authenticity. Tailor your habits to your lifestyle, energy levels, and daily rhythm.
Examples of custom spiritual routines:
- Morning: Bible reading + journaling over coffee
- Midday: 5-minute worship break during lunch
- Evening: Gratitude list + short devotional
- Weekends: Longer prayer walks or in-depth study
The key is not how much time, but how much heart you bring to each moment.
Surround Yourself with Godly Influence
The people you spend time with influence your spiritual growth—either drawing you closer to God or distracting you from Him. Community matters deeply.
Ways to build a faith-filled environment:
- Join a small group or online fellowship
- Choose Christian podcasts, books, or sermons during free time
- Talk about spiritual things with family or friends
- Follow Christian creators who share uplifting content
When you’re surrounded by others who love God, your own hunger for Him grows.
Keep a Heart of Repentance and Grace
None of us are perfect. Growing closer to God includes being honest about our shortcomings and constantly receiving His grace. A humble heart is a heart God draws near to.
How to live with repentance and grace:
- Confess sins regularly and receive forgiveness
- Don’t let guilt keep you from God—He welcomes you back every time
- Be gracious with yourself and others in the journey
- Remember that progress, not perfection, is the goal
Psalm 51:17 says, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”
Practice Spiritual Gratitude
Gratitude aligns your heart with God’s. It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already given. Grateful believers are grounded, joyful, and more sensitive to God’s presence.
Ideas to grow in gratitude:
- Begin and end each day by listing 3 things you’re thankful for
- Thank God for answered prayers—even the small ones
- Reflect on past trials and how He carried you through
- Praise Him during worship, even before breakthrough comes
A grateful heart naturally draws closer to its source.
Final Encouragement: Stay the Course
Growing closer to God doesn’t require perfection—it requires pursuit. Some days will feel vibrant and full of connection; others may feel dry or distant. That’s okay. What matters most is that you keep seeking Him, day by day.
God promises in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” No matter your starting point, your effort is never wasted. He sees every quiet prayer, every act of obedience, every tear shed in His presence.
Keep walking. Keep seeking. God is closer than you think.