Explore a spiritual discipline
Spiritual disciplines are practises that we can explore that aim to help us to grow closer to God. These practices are not required of us, but are biblically grounded and encouraged by Scripture. We don’t do these things to earn any favour with God, we do them because of our love for God and a desire to grow closer to Him.
Here are some ideas that you could explore with some top tips listed below on:
Fasting
Sabbath
Solitude
Why not take a next step by exploring one of them? Use the form below to tell us you’re taking this step so we can encourage you, if you’d like.
Fasting
Christian fasting is the practice of giving up food - or something else that matters to us - for a set time in order to draw closer to God. It’s not about dieting or earning God’s approval, but about creating space to pray, listen, and depend on Him more deeply. Jesus Himself fasted (Matthew 4:1-2) and taught His followers to do so with humility and faith (Matthew 6:16-18).
Top tips:
Start Small: If you’re new, begin with a single meal or a short period of time.
Pray Often: The purpose is not just to be hungry, but to use the moments of hunger or desire as reminders to pray and seek God.
Stay in Scripture: Let God’s Word feed you spiritually (Matthew 4:4).
Be Wise: If you have health conditions or are pregnant, choose a non-food fast (like giving up social media, TV, or another distraction).
Keep it Between You and God: Fasting is a private act of devotion.
End with Gratitude: Break your fast gently and give thanks for God’s presence and provision.
Fasting is simply a way of saying: “God, You are more important to me than anything else.”
The Sabbath
The Sabbath is God’s gift of rest, rooted in creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and commanded for His people (Exodus 20:8-11). As Christians, we celebrate it in light of Jesus, who is our ultimate rest (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-10). Sabbath is not about legalism, but about intentionally setting aside time to stop, worship, and delight in God.
Top tips:
Set Aside Time: Choose a regular day (traditionally Sunday) to rest from work and everyday busyness.
Worship Together: Make gathering with God’s people a priority for encouragement and renewal.
Unplug: Step away from chores, emails, and distractions that keep you in “work mode.”
Enjoy God’s Good Gifts: Spend time with family, enjoy nature, share a meal, or do things that refresh your soul.
Remember the Purpose: Sabbath isn’t about what you can’t do - it’s about receiving God’s rest and remembering His goodness.
Sabbath is a rhythm of grace, reminding us that our identity rests in God’s work, not our own.
Solitude
Solitude is the practice of stepping away from people, noise, and busyness to be alone with God. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35), showing us the importance of silence and stillness for our spiritual life. Solitude is not about isolation or loneliness, but about intentionally creating space to listen to God without distraction.
Top tips:
Set a Time and Place: Find a quiet spot - your room, a park, or even a car - and dedicate a set time to be with God.
Begin with Prayer: Ask God to meet you in the silence and guide your thoughts.
Limit Distractions: Put your phone away, turn off notifications, and embrace stillness.
Rest in God’s Presence: Don’t feel pressured to “do” much - simply sit quietly, read Scripture slowly, and listen.
Be Consistent: Start with a few minutes and grow from there; regular solitude helps you hear God more clearly.
Carry It Back: Let the peace and clarity from solitude shape how you live and relate to others.
Solitude is where we learn to say, “God, You are enough for me.”
