What if growing your faith didn’t require anything complicated—just a quiet chair, a cup of tea, and a willingness to listen? In this reflection, I share how a simple daily practice of reading and listening has shaped my faith over the years—and how it might shape yours too.

👉 Read more and discover a rhythm that welcomes God into your everyday life.

Yesterday, I talked with a new friend about her discovery of the Bible. She bought my worship books and Breakthrough Moments (short stories based on Bible stories). She is hungry to hear what God has to say to her. I believe her hunger to learn about her faith is a sign that she is truly blessed.

Many years ago, I decided that one very valuable way to grow in my faith was to spend time learning from the Bible. The problem was, I had to actually pick up a Bible and read it. So I began a daily discipline—a daily ritual of listening for God’s wisdom within its pages. At first, it required commitment—a big commitment. But once the routine was established, I realized something surprising: I wanted to read the Bible. I wanted to learn from it.

At the time, a supervisor in a pastoral counselling course gave me an assignment that helped shape this practice. It grounded me in the habit of showing up, day after day.

Today, almost every morning, my first and most blessed task is to sit in my comfy chair in the living room for at least half an hour, often longer. I drink a cup of milky tea and spend time with God. I read from several books of spiritual reflections, listening for God’s voice.

One of those books, written by Madeleine L’Engle, is yellow with age. Its pages are worn and dog-eared, the words underlined. It is an old friend. Through her writing, God often speaks to me. I may be reading the same words, but each time, a new message emerges.

The second book is newer—Embers by Richard Wagamese. I’ve read it once and am now on my second reading. His words, too, carry wisdom. In the introduction, he describes his own morning ritual. Like mine, it includes time with other writers’ reflections, time with Creator, and time writing. In his words:

“Enveloped in Ojibway ceremony, protocol, and ritual, ringed by

strong words of faith, love, resilience, mindfulness and calm,

I reclaim myself each morning. I walk out into the world in a

position of balance, ready to do what Creator asks of me that day.”

This discipline has taught me to turn to the Bible—particularly to the words of Jesus—for life, wisdom, and peace. My favourite version is The Message. Its everyday language opens my heart in new ways.

My Bible is falling apart. Years ago, I duct-taped the cover together. Now the inner sections are loosening, pages slipping free. Individual pages may be next. Like me, my Bible is aging with use. It is precious to me—my companion, my friend.

Morning rituals—whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Indigenous spirituality, or more—can be a sacred time of centering, wisdom, and challenge when we come open and ready to listen for God, not just ourselves.

I encourage you, my readers, to give it a try.

Step One: Begin by choosing a modern version of the Bible. There are many. Then find at least two books of reflections that speak to you. I recommend Embers by Richard Wagamese. It is available online through UCRD.ca, The United Church bookstore. Of course, there are also my books, Dipping Your Toes and Dipping Your Toes, Too. Or simply explore the “Spiritual” section of your local bookstore.

Step Two: Make the commitment. Remember, you are giving this time to God. That can be even more difficult than gathering the resources.

Step Three: Choose your time—morning, afternoon, or evening.

Step Four (Most Important!): Do it. Read, listen, pray—every day. And remember, anything that is good for us takes practice. Don’t be hard on yourself when you forget or have to miss a day. Simply give thanks for the days you do spend time nurturing your faith.

I truly believe:

God will be there with you—offering wisdom, strength, comfort,
and gentle challenge for your life.

If you like this reflection or find it helpful, please pass it on and leave a comment. #Bible, #prayer, #meditation, #listening for God