How to Grow Closer to God: 7 Simple Daily Habits

Growing closer to God is not about trying harder to feel more spiritual. It is about making space, again and again, for the God who already wants to be close to you. These seven habits are not a checklist for earning His love — you already have it. They are simple ways to walk with Him every day.

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Start with the right picture

Jesus described the Christian life as a branch connected to a vine: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4–5). Growth is something God does in you as you stay connected to Him. Habits are simply how you stay connected. If you're new to faith, start with your first steps.

Seven daily habits

1. Read the Bible

Even one chapter a day. Start with a Gospel and ask: what does this show me about God? How to begin.

2. Pray honestly

Talk to God like a Father — thanks, worries, confessions, requests. Use the Lord's Prayer as a guide when words run out.

3. Listen

Leave space for quiet. God speaks mainly through Scripture, and also through His Spirit and His people. See How to Hear God's Voice.

4. Belong to a church

You were not made to follow Jesus alone (Hebrews 10:24–25). How to find a good church.

5. Worship

Sing, give thanks and remember what God has done — at church, in the car, while you work.

6. Serve someone

Faith grows when it is used. Meet a need, help a neighbour, join an outreach.

7. Share what He's done

Telling your story strengthens your own faith. Share your testimony in 3 minutes.

When God feels far away

Every Christian goes through dry seasons. The Psalms are full of honest prayers like "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1). Feelings come and go; God's promise stays: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Keep the habits going, be honest with God and a friend, and remember who you are in Christ.

Small and steady beats big and rare

Ten minutes with God every day will shape you more than an occasional long retreat. Start small enough that you can keep it.

A simple 15-minute rhythm

2 minutes — be still and thank God for three things.

8 minutes — read a short passage slowly; note one thing it shows you about God.

4 minutes — pray: for yourself, your family, and one person who doesn't know Jesus yet.

1 minute — decide one way to obey or love someone today.

Questions people ask

How can I get closer to God?

Make regular space for Him: read the Bible, pray honestly, belong to a church, worship, serve others and share your faith. James 4:8 promises that as you come near to God, He comes near to you.

How do I grow spiritually as a Christian?

Stay connected to Jesus (John 15:4–5) through daily habits of Scripture and prayer, life in a church community, and putting your faith into practice by serving and sharing it.

What do I do when God feels far away?

Keep praying honestly, as the Psalms do, keep reading Scripture, and talk with a mature Christian. Feelings change, but God promises never to leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

How long should I pray and read the Bible each day?

There is no required amount. Start with something you can sustain, such as ten or fifteen minutes a day, and let it grow.

Do I need to go to church to grow closer to God?

Church does not save you, but the Bible says believers grow best together, encouraging one another and meeting regularly (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Seven days to start strong

Our free seven-day guide walks you through grace, prayer, the Bible, church, baptism and telling your story. First Steps With Jesus

Next steps

First Steps With Jesus · How to hear God's voice