Recently, in reading an article titled, “The Challenges of Discipleship in an Age of Distraction,” I resonated with these observations:

“We are living in an age of unprecedented access to Christian teaching. Sermons, podcasts, reels, devotionals, quotes, and theological commentary now travel faster than ever, reaching farther than ever, demanding less of us than ever. 

And yet, something is wrong.

Despite the abundance of exposure, many believers are less rooted, less formed, and less able to stay with a single truth long enough for it to shape their lives. We are exposed to more ideas than any generation before us, yet increasingly unanchored.“

Help is not only on the way.

For women, it arrived earlier this year with the book, Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour. Earlier, I shared part one of my conversation with Hanna on this topic. We conclude our conversation today.

First, let’s define spiritual habits. Hanna states,

“Spiritual habits are intentional practices that help us know and love God, sustain fellowship with Him, and shape us to reflect His character.” 

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

So what is the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping our habits? Here are Hanna’s thoughts:

“To paraphrase Dallas Willard, without the Spirit of God moving in and through us, spiritual habits are just Christian activities. When practiced with the right motives, spiritual habits prepare us like a sailboat; we hoist the sails and steer the rudder, aligning ourselves with the wind—God’s Spirit. The habits themselves don’t change us. They position us so His Spirit can guide and transform us.”

Do the Old and New Testaments hold equal weight in helping us here?

“Both are vital!” states Hanna.

“The Old Testament shows rhythms of daily obedience and worship, while the New Testament teaches heart transformation and Spirit-led growth. Together, they give a full picture of lifelong habits that grow our faith.”

This book includes a somewhat less familiar connection to the development of habits: science.

Here’s how it helped Hanna herself.

“While studying classic texts on spiritual formation in seminary, I also began exploring the science of habit formation. I realized we could apply those principles to spiritual disciplines. Many people long for lifelong spiritual habits, but few know how to actually get there. By breaking big goals—like being a lifelong student of the Bible—into Seed Habits—small, easy, daily practices that can grow—we can create lasting change.”

One might assume that developing these “habits” helps us curry favor with God.

Hanna, what are your thoughts?

“Even though we know God loves us, many of us secretly think He would like or love us more if we read our Bible more, prayed more, fasted, practiced solitude, or… . But spiritual habits aren’t about earning God’s favor—they’re practices that invite us into deeper intimacy with Him, not a way to curry His favor or manipulate Him.”

It would seem that strengthening our spiritual foundations might help our effectiveness in evangelism. Ms. Seymour believes that strengthening our spiritual foundations grounds us in God’s presence and truth. When God’s Spirit is actively transforming us, others notice the difference, and our lives become a credible, compelling witness to God’s work in us.

Hanna Seymour is a busy mom in her forties. So…how does she fit the habit of “solitude” into her life?

“Donald Whitney coined the phrase ‘minute retreats,’ and I love practicing solitude in short windows throughout my day. My favorite moments are during times of waiting—most of us wait 20–40 minutes daily. Instead of reaching for your phone, take a minute to shut out the noise and spend a moment alone with God.”

Do you want a deeper walk with Jesus, but struggle to know how to fit spiritual practices into real life? If the answer is yes, then you’re ready—because there’s really nothing to “get ready.”

That’s the whole point of everyday spiritual habits.

You can start right now with small, simple practices in the life you’re already living.

Remember Jesus’ words,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV)

*Hanna Seymour holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from James Madison University and a M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina.