How to Grow Spiritually When You Have Little Time
Make BIG Progress Even in Busy Seasons of Life
During one summer in college, I stayed to take extra classes and help with our campus ministry while working a construction job in the summer heat. The average workday was 10–12 hours, and one day we worked 14 hours in ninety-eight-degree heat to get the job done. On top of that, I had various responsibilities in the campus ministry, including Bible teaching. I came home exhausted, did ministry activities, and went to bed.
Even though I was in ministry, I had little time each day to study and pray. Yet, I still experienced significant personal and spiritual growth during this busy time. Here’s how I made it work—and how you can, too.
The One Time Per Week and Daily Method
Set aside one hour per week to study a book of the Bible or a topic that interests you. Write down the key points that stand out to you in a notebook.
For the rest of the week, meditate on and pray over those Scriptures throughout your day. Even when you’re working on something else, take short moments to reflect or say a brief prayer or affirmation based on what God has revealed to you.
It’s amazing how powerful it can be to bring God’s truth into your day with simple, short prayers and meditations. Research shows that this helps your brain form new connections and thought patterns, facilitating spiritual growth. Romans 12:2 tells us that this is how we “renew our minds,” which is essential for lasting transformation.
Staying Connected to God in a Busy Life
The beauty of this method is that it allows you to stay connected to God and develop a sensitivity to His presence throughout your day. You don’t have to set aside hours for prayer or study—short bursts of focus and intention can make a big impact.
It Works
Back in college, despite having almost no free time, I saw tremendous spiritual and personal growth by studying on Sundays and meditating and praying about what I had studied during the week. Even today, in my busy seasons, I still use this method and see amazing results every time.
Successful Church Planting and Working as a Full-Time Painter
A few years ago, I attended a church planting seminar where the speaker shared that he used this same method when planting a new church. He worked as a painter to support himself financially while the church grew. He would study one afternoon per week, then meditate on what he learned during the week. Once he no longer had to work as a painter, he spent more time in the Word and prayer, but the simple method of weekly study and daily meditation was powerful enough to help him build a strong church from scratch.
You Can Do It Too
Here’s how to get started:
1x per week study: Set aside one hour a week to study a book of the Bible or a topic of interest.
Throughout the week: Meditate on and pray about what you’ve studied as you go about your day.
My goal is to help busy believers experience God more deeply, grow consistently—both spiritually and personally—and confidently live out their unique purpose.
