I've been getting some questions in my DM on WhatsApp, and I feel the need to address them here.
Someone sent me this message:
“Good evening, sir. There's something I'd like to speak to you about. Lately, I've been feeling lazy about praying. I don't know what's wrong with my prayer life. I've stopped participating in my night prayers, and I don't know what to do. I really want to pray, but I've been feeling too lazy to do so.”
First, you need to understand that, by nature, humans are wired in a way that we often don't take action on our own unless there's a force that draws us or helps us. You cannot grow spiritually unless the Holy Spirit is the one helping you. He even had to help you know Him in the first place—though, of course, you still have your part to play.
One way to know that you still want to grow is your level of hunger for God. Just as you crave food, you should also crave knowing God more. The more you know Him, the more you'll want to know Him. So, how do I grow spiritually, or know God, or even pray, regardless of how busy I am?
1. Prayer Walk:
Do you know that sometimes when you're praying at home, 10 or 40 minutes into the prayer, you doze off? If you haven’t conquered sleep or are too tired from work, the best prayer style might be a *prayer walk.* Yes, walk while praying. Don’t even think of kneeling to pray—because sleep is right there, knocking.
2. Songs:
You might wonder what songs have to do with spiritual growth. Lately, I’ve noticed that even without music playing around me, a song just pops up in my spirit, and I find myself singing it in my mind before I even realize it. If I don’t have that song on my phone, I try to download it and sing it more to see what God might be saying to me through it. Sometimes, it’s a phrase like “Do not pass me by.” That alone is a prayer.
If you've noticed this happening to you as well, sing those songs and enjoy the fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The same goes for some movies—but not just any kind of movie. Listen to chants more often; play them frequently.
3. Praying with Friends:
You cannot grow spiritually without understanding the importance of friendship. I can often tell if someone’s spiritual life will grow by looking at their friends. If those around you aren’t growing spiritually and you desire to grow, you may need to leave that circle and connect with those ahead of you to help you. Check out *Psalm 1:1.*
Remember, friends help each other, and your growth is often strengthened by the kind of people you surround yourself with.
4. What You Listen to and Watch:
What you expose yourself to affects you. I became more aggressive toward sin because of what I was exposed to.
You can’t say you want to break free from addictions like pornography and masturbation while still consuming content that feeds those desires—you’ll only fall deeper. Watch what you feed on.
You can't desire to grow spiritually while feasting on songs by Shalipopi. Since the day you've been listening to Rema and Omah Lay, how has it helped your spiritual life? Just because something is good doesn't mean it's godly or from God.
It’s better to listen to sermons on topics you want to learn more about. That would help you. Personally, I try to listen to at least one sermon a week, and when I can, I listen to two per day.
5. Read Your Bible:
Just keep reading your Bible. If you can read two chapters a day, stick to it. Keep reading, and most importantly, understand what you’re reading. Meditating on it will help.
6. Have a Specific Time to Pray:
Depending on your schedule, set a time to pray daily. It could be 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Most importantly, when you wake up, try to spend at least one hour with God every day. It’s very important. Once it becomes a habit, you’ll notice your spiritual growth increasing.
7. Ask for Help:
Always ask God to help you. Let Him know you’re not as strong as people think. Say to Him, “Abba, your daughter/son is weak; help me!” You’ll be amazed at the strength you’ll receive.
Spiritual growth is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Keep desiring to know God, because the more you know Him, the more you fall in love with Him.
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