7 Practical Ways to Deepen Your Walk With God in 2026

Spiritual Growth Doesn’t Happen by Accident

We often say we want to grow closer to God, but we struggle to follow through. Life gets loud, time gets away from us, and soon another week goes by without the depth we’re longing for. But the truth is this: God hasn’t moved. He still draws near to those who draw near to Him. What we need is not more emotion or inspiration. We need structure, consistency, and a desire that is followed by action. Below are seven deeply Biblical and practical ways to grow in your walk with God this year. Each one offers not only a principle, but also a place to begin.

Read the Bible Daily

The Bible is not just a book. It’s God’s voice in written form. If you want to know God more, understand His heart, and be guided by His truth, Scripture is the foundation. Reading the Bible daily isn’t about how many chapters you get through. It’s about returning to the Word with hunger, humility, and expectation. The more time you spend in Scripture, the more familiar you become with God’s character and His will for your life.

Start here: Choose a Bible reading plan that gives structure. Begin each day with 10 minutes in the Word before you check your phone or start your schedule.

Commit to a Local Church

You were never meant to walk with God in isolation. The local church is God’s design for community, growth, correction, encouragement, and purpose. Attending church is about belonging to a body of believers that walks together in faith. Church is where you are challenged, refined, and reminded that the Christian life is shared, not solo.

Start here: Make Sunday morning non-negotiable. If you’re not yet connected to a local church, visit one this week and take a step toward building that spiritual home.

Practice Weekly Rest

God built a rhythm of rest into creation—not because He needed it, but because we do. Honoring a Sabbath each week is a declaration of trust. It says, “God is in control. I don’t have to strive endlessly.” Rest recalibrates your heart, helps you resist the idol of productivity, and creates space to enjoy God without hurry or distraction.

Start here: Choose one day each week to set work aside, limit distractions, and focus on worship, prayer, and unhurried time with the Lord.

Fast Regularly

Fasting is about making room for more of God. When you fast, you say no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit. It sharpens your spiritual hunger and clears space for prayer, worship, and deeper connection. Fasting regularly is a powerful discipline that can break patterns, restore focus, and remind you of your complete dependence on God.

Start here: Fast one meal this week. Use the time you would normally eat to read a Psalm and pray. Let it be a sacrifice that draws you closer to God.

Memorize Scripture

When God’s Word lives inside of you, it shapes everything from how you think to how you speak to how you respond under pressure. Memorized Scripture becomes your weapon in temptation, your anchor in fear, and your compass in confusion. It is the most portable and powerful truth you can carry with you.

Start here: Choose one verse that speaks to your current season. Write it on a notecard and place it somewhere visible. Say it out loud once each day this week.

Worship Outside of Church

Worship is not just something you do when the music plays on Sunday. Worship is a posture of the heart, a daily response to who God is. Bringing worship into your everyday life softens your spirit, shifts your focus, and invites God into the ordinary moments. Whether through music, prayer, praise, or gratitude, worship keeps your heart aligned with heaven.

Start here: Play worship music during your commute or while doing everyday tasks. Pause for 60 seconds today and tell God why you love Him.

Disciple Someone Else

Spiritual maturity is not measured only by how much you know, but by how well you help others grow. When you disciple someone else, your own faith comes alive. You begin to pray differently, think differently, and live more intentionally. Discipleship is not reserved for pastors or teachers. It’s for anyone who wants to help someone else follow Jesus more closely.

Start here: Identify someone in your life who is newer in faith. Invite them to read a book of the Bible with you, meet for prayer, or share what you’ve been learning.

Take the First Step This Week

You don’t need to do all seven things right away. But choose one area where God is nudging you. Be consistent. Stay faithful. And remember that God always meets those who seek Him. Your walk with God matters more than anything else this year. Let this be the year you grow.