Spiritual activities refer to any practice or discipline that helps individuals deepen their relationship with God and grow in their faith.
These activities can take many forms, including prayer, worship, observing quiet time, studying and meditating on the Bible, fellowship with other believers, serving others, and more.
The Bible emphasises the importance of spiritual activities for believers. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to “train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” In other words, just as we take care of our physical bodies through exercise and training, we also need to prioritise our spiritual well-being through intentional spiritual practices.
Jesus also modelled spiritual activities during his time on Earth. He often retreated to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), taught his disciples to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), and spent time in fellowship with other believers (Luke 22:14-23).
These practices allowed him to deepen his relationship with God and stay connected to His will.
Spiritual activities are a great way to strengthen your faith and build your confidence in God. They help you connect with God on a deeper level and remind you of His love and presence in your life.
1. Prayer
Prayer is one of the most important spiritual activities that can help you develop your confidence in God. Through prayer, you can talk to God, express your concerns, and seek His guidance and help. Prayer can give you a sense of peace and comfort, knowing that you are not alone and that God is with you.
Bible verses on prayer:
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
• “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
2. Bible study
Reading and studying the Bible is another important spiritual activity that can help you develop your confidence in God. The Bible is a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance that can help you navigate life’s challenges and strengthen your faith in God.
Bible verses on Bible study:
• “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
• “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
3. Worship
Worship is a powerful spiritual activity that can help you connect with God and deepen your relationship with Him. Through worship, you can express your love, gratitude, and devotion to God, and experience His presence and power in your life.
Bible verses on worship:
• “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” – John 4:23
• “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalm 95:2
4. Service
Serving others is a meaningful spiritual activity that can help you develop your confidence in God. Through service, you can express your love for God and others, and make a positive impact in your community and the world.
Bible verses on service:
• “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
• “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
5. Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a simple yet powerful spiritual activity that can help you develop your confidence in God. By focusing on the blessings in your life and expressing gratitude for them, you can cultivate a positive attitude and a sense of contentment and joy.
Bible verses on gratitude:
• “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Engaging in daily spiritual activities, according to the Bible, can bring numerous advantages to our lives. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating spiritual practices into our daily routine:
1. Increased sense of peace and joy: Engaging in spiritual activities can help us find inner peace and joy. When we connect with God and focus on His love and goodness, we can experience a sense of calm and contentment, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When we have a strong spiritual foundation, we can face challenges with confidence and hope.
2. Strengthened faith: Regularly practising spiritual disciplines can help us deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith. By reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in worship, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and purposes for our lives. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” As we grow in our faith, we can trust God’s promises and live with greater purpose and meaning.
3. Greater resilience and coping skills: Engaging in spiritual activities can also help us develop greater resilience and coping skills. By leaning on God’s strength and wisdom, we can face challenges with confidence and perseverance. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When we trust in God’s faithfulness, we can face any challenge with courage and resilience.
4. Improved relationships: Finally, practising spiritual disciplines can also help us build stronger and more meaningful relationships with others. By engaging in fellowship with other believers and serving others, we can deepen our connections and make a positive impact on the world around us. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another.” When we prioritise our spiritual growth, we can build stronger relationships and make a difference in the lives of others.
In conclusion, daily spiritual activities can bring numerous benefits, including increased peace and joy, strengthened faith, greater resilience, and improved relationships. When we prioritise our spiritual well-being, we can experience a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
Daily spiritual activities such as prayer, Bible study, worship, service, and gratitude can help you develop your confidence in God. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can deepen your relationship with God, grow in faith, and experience His love.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella