10
Your Next Steps in Spiritual Growth 31:47 Lena: Miles, as we wrap up our conversation about spiritual disciplines and holy habits, I'm feeling both inspired and a little uncertain about where to go from here. What would you say to someone who's ready to take their first steps?
32:02 Miles: I love that you're feeling both inspired and uncertain, Lena. That combination often signals that you're on the edge of real growth. For listeners who are ready to start, I'd say begin with what feels most accessible to you right now. If you're drawn to Bible study, start there. If prayer feels natural, begin with prayer. The key is to start somewhere rather than waiting until you have the perfect plan.
32:24 Lena: What would a first week look like for someone who's never really practiced spiritual disciplines before?
32:29 Miles: Here's a simple seven-day starter plan. Pick one time each day—maybe right after your morning coffee—and spend five minutes reading a few verses from the Gospel of Mark. After you read, spend two minutes talking to God about what you read or about your day. That's it. Seven days of five-minute Scripture reading plus two minutes of prayer.
32:47 Lena: That sounds totally doable. What happens after that first week?
32:51 Miles: After the first week, you can gradually add elements. Maybe in week two, you add one minute of listening prayer—just sitting quietly and asking God if there's anything he wants to say to you. In week three, maybe you identify one small way to serve someone. The key is building slowly and sustainably.
33:09 Lena: What about people who have tried spiritual disciplines before but got discouraged or burned out?
33:15 Miles: For those listeners, I'd say be gentle with yourself and start smaller than you think you need to. Often, people get discouraged because they set unrealistic expectations. If you used to try to read three chapters of the Bible each day and that felt overwhelming, try one verse. If you used to attempt thirty-minute prayer sessions, try three minutes. Success builds on success, so start with something you know you can maintain.
33:39 Lena: Are there any warning signs that someone should watch out for as they develop these habits?
33:44 Miles: Yes, great question. Watch out for legalism—that's when the disciplines become about earning God's approval rather than positioning yourself to receive his grace. If you find yourself feeling proud because you're more disciplined than others, or guilty and condemned when you miss a day, you've probably lost sight of the purpose. These practices are meant to draw you closer to God, not make you feel superior or defeated.
34:08 Lena: What about resources? Are there tools or books that can help people on this journey?
5:09 Miles: Absolutely. Donald Whitney's "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" is an excellent comprehensive resource. For prayer specifically, "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson is helpful. And many people find that joining a small group or finding a spiritual mentor makes a huge difference in staying consistent and growing in understanding.
34:31 Lena: As we close, what's the one thing you most want our listeners to remember about spiritual disciplines?
34:38 Miles: I want them to remember that these disciplines aren't about becoming a perfect Christian or earning God's love. They're about creating space in your life for God to work. Think of them as positioning yourself to receive God's grace and transformation. You're not trying to impress God with your spiritual performance—you're simply making yourself available for his work in your life.
35:01 Lena: That takes so much pressure off. It's about availability, not achievement.
7:02 Miles: Exactly. And here's what's beautiful—as you practice these disciplines consistently, even in small ways, you'll start to notice changes in your heart, your perspective, and your relationships. You'll find yourself naturally becoming more patient, more generous, more peaceful, and more loving. That's not because you're trying harder to be good, but because you're spending time with God, and his character is rubbing off on you.
35:32 Lena: What an encouraging way to think about spiritual growth. To our listeners, thank you so much for joining us for this conversation about holy habits and spiritual disciplines. We hope these practical insights help you take meaningful steps in your spiritual journey. We'd love to hear about your experiences as you begin or deepen these practices, so feel free to reach out and share your story with us. Until next time, may you discover the joy and transformation that comes from consistently positioning yourself in God's presence through these beautiful, life-giving disciplines.
36:03 Miles: Thanks for listening, everyone. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's simply showing up consistently and letting God do the transforming work. Start small, be patient with yourself, and trust that God is faithful to meet you in these simple, sacred practices.