“We seem to have plenty of Christians. But very few true disciples.” 

I’ve heard comments like these many times throughout the years. It certainly cannot be because we lack instructive books, studies, articles, courses, and the like on “discipleship.” Instead, perhaps it is because the commitment to be a disciple requires effort. A heart to follow that involves a cost.

Jesus said as much. In Matthew 16:24 we read,

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”

He offered expanded thoughts on the priorities involved in other passages.

Most people today seem too busy to commit to practices that deepen their personal walk with God. So I’d like to introduce you to a very helpful resource to engage on this journey. I’ll mention up front—the target audience is female.

The book is titled Everyday Spiritual Habits. Don’t glide past the subtitle: The Atomic Habits for Spiritual Disciplines. This is a call to action for proactive seekers and followers of Jesus of Nazareth.

The author is Hanna Easley Seymour. Including her maiden name “Easley” is significant. Her father was not only a pastor but a long time friend of mine since he served as the former President of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

For several years, Hanna has mentored young women, helping them transition smoothly from high school to college and beyond. This explains the female focus of Everyday Spiritual Habits. In speaking with Hanna, she explained,

“As a woman, I love teaching other women. It’s what comes naturally—to write from my experience as a woman today. So I simply wrote to the women whose lives I understand best.” 

Before looking more closely at the habits, who were the spiritual influencers in Hanna’s life? She starts with family.

“First and foremost, my parents–Michael and Cindy Easley–who modeled the practice of spiritual disciplines for me throughout my entire upbringing.”

Other significant “voices” included the likes of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Henri Nouwen, Donald Whitney, and Haley Ruth Barton among many others. As Hanna considered the the science of habit formation, names such as

“Charles Duhigg, James Clear, and BJ Fogg had the greatest influence.”

Why the need for such a book? It’s reported that “65% of Christian women admit they aren’t satisfied with their spiritual lives.” Why this lack of satisfaction? Hanna explains,

“They’re yearning for consistency in Bible reading, prayer, Christian community, and simply feeling connected to God. But when life is full—kids, work, responsibilities—spiritual growth can feel like another overwhelming goal instead of something that fits naturally into everyday life.”

Admittedly, the word “discipline” can scare off even seasoned Christians. During Hanna’s high school years, her dad gave her a copy of one of my favorite Christian literary resources, The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. What were her takeaways from this book?

Refreshingly, Hanna enthusiastically explains,

“The spiritual disciplines aren’t drudgery but the keys to joy in this earthly life! Foster opened my eyes to many different disciplines–beyond Bible reading and prayer–that deepen our connection with God.”

Avoidance of this truth can leave us spiritually shallow.

Putting her knowledge to the test, I asked Hanna how the everyday habits have changed her relationship with God, her family, and others. Here we find perhaps the “secret sauce” to her method. She states,

“Instead of seeing spiritual disciplines as something that has to happen in a long quiet time, early in the morning, I’ve learned to practice small habits with God throughout my day. Those tiny rhythms keep bringing my focus back to Christ. And when that happens, it changes everything—how I relate to God, my family, and the people around me.”

The book Everyday Spiritual Habits looks at these areas:

• the science of habit formation
• the purpose of spiritual disciplines
• biblical intake
• prayer
• solitude
• celebration and thanksgiving
• pursuing friendship
• practicing the presence of God

I’ll pause in my conversation here. But after Easter, part two of “Everyday Spiritual Habits” looks at topics including:

• The integration of “science” to create a lasting impact of the habits 
• Whether Old Testament books or New Testament books are equal to draw on for our habit formation
• And if developing “spiritual habits” are or are not not a way to curry favor with God

Get a head start on these spiritual habits today. I’m sure you won’t regret it.