Spiritual Formation 101: The Beginner's Guide to Going Deeper When You Feel Stuck in Shallow Faith

You know the feeling. Sunday comes, you show up, you sing, you nod along, maybe you even take notes. But by Tuesday afternoon, the whole thing feels distant. Disconnected. Like you're watching someone else's faith from the outside.

You're not failing. You're not broken. You're just ready for something deeper.

Spiritual formation isn't a fix for people who "aren't Christian enough." It's the intentional process of letting God's Spirit transform you, not through pressure or performance, but through presence. And if you've been feeling stuck in shallow water, this guide is for you.

What Spiritual Formation Actually Means

Spiritual formation is the ongoing work of being shaped by the Holy Spirit into the image of Jesus Christ. It's not about checking boxes or collecting Bible trivia. It's about real, internal change that shows up in how you think, speak, love, and live.

Here's what it centers on:

• Hearing God in His Word , not just reading it, but letting it speak into your actual life.

• Growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus , knowing more about Him and knowing Him more personally.

• Bearing lasting fruit , love, patience, kindness, self-control that sticks around past Sunday.

Unlike discipleship (which focuses on learning teachings and following examples), spiritual formation is directed by the Holy Spirit. It's less about behavior modification and more about heart transformation.

And that transformation? It starts with showing up, intentionally, honestly, and consistently.

The Breath Section: Downshift Before You Dive In

Before we go any further, let's pause.

Take a slow breath in for four counts. Hold it for four. Breathe out for six.

Do that twice more.

This isn't filler. Spiritual formation begins when you slow down enough to notice God is already with you. Right now. In this moment. Before you fix anything. Before you try harder.

God isn't disappointed in you for feeling stuck. He's inviting you deeper.

Now let's talk about how to accept that invitation.

Four Practices That Pull You Out of Shallow Water

If you've been coasting spiritually, these four internal disciplines can reset your depth. You don't have to master them all at once. Pick one. Start small. Let the Holy Spirit meet you there.

1. Prayer (Talk to God Like a Person, Not a Vending Machine)

Prayer isn't a formula. It's a conversation. And if your prayers have felt more like wish lists than dialogue, that's okay: but it's time to shift.

Real prayer includes:

• Gratitude : "Thank You for..."

• Confession : "I messed up with..."

• Listening : silence where you give God space to speak

• Petition : honest asks, not performance language

Start with five minutes. No script. Just you and God. Talk about what's really on your heart: the messy stuff, the confusing stuff, the boring stuff. He already knows. He's just waiting for you to bring it to Him.

2. Fasting (Tell God You Want Him More Than Comfort)

Fasting isn't punishment. It's body language that says, "I long for Your presence more than I long for this meal."

You don't have to fast for days. Start with one meal. Skip lunch and spend that time praying or reading Scripture. Use the hunger pangs as reminders to turn your attention back to God.

Fasting expands your vocabulary with God. It trains your soul to recognize spiritual hunger and meet it with spiritual nourishment.

3. Bible Study (Read It Like Your Life Depends on It)

Scripture isn't a textbook. It's God's living Word: and it's meant to transform you, not just inform you.

Move beyond surface reading:

• Mull it over : read a passage slowly, more than once.

• Ask questions : What is God saying here? What does this reveal about His character?

• Apply it personally : Where does this touch my real life today?

Choose one verse or short passage each morning. Write it down. Come back to it throughout the day. Let it sink in. Let it reshape how you see yourself, your circumstances, and God.

4. Biblical Meditation (Lectio Divina: A Method That Slows You Down)

Biblical meditation isn't emptying your mind. It's filling it: slowly and intentionally: with God's Word.

Lectio Divina is a four-step prayer practice that trains your soul to listen:

1. Read : Read a short passage slowly.

2. Reflect : What word or phrase stands out?

3. Respond : Talk to God about what you noticed.

4. Rest : Sit in silence and let God speak.

This isn't a speed drill. It's a slow soak. And over time, it rewires how you hear God's voice.

Creating a Rule of Life: Your Personalized Spiritual Plan

If the word "rule" sounds rigid, think of it as a rhythm: a structure that brings intentionality without suffocating your soul.

A rule of life is a personal plan for spiritual growth. Here's how to build one:

Step 1: Pray and listen deeply. Ask God, "What kind of person are You inviting me to be in this season?" Wait through the surface thoughts. Let the Holy Spirit guide you deeper.

Step 2: Identify your "big rocks." What are the major life categories for you? Worship, formation, community, mission, family, work, rest, health: write them down.

Step 3: Brainstorm without judgment. Under each category, list practices that help you grow. Don't filter yet. Just brainstorm.

Step 4: Prioritize ruthlessly. Cross out what's not essential. Commit to what actually forms you spiritually. If you need help, talk to a mentor, pastor, or spiritual director.

Your rule of life isn't a performance contract. It's a guide that keeps you tethered to God's presence when life gets loud.

You Can't Do This Alone (And You Weren't Meant To)

Spiritual formation isn't a solo sport. You need community: people who pray for you, challenge you, encourage you, and remind you who you are when you forget.

Christian growth happens in the intersection of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, community, and mission. If you're trying to go deep alone, you'll eventually plateau.

Find a church family. Join a small group. Ask someone to be your accountability partner. Let people in.

And if you don't have a church home yet, consider joining Boundless Online Church: a private online church where you can watch teachings, join family groups, and stay spiritually grounded, whether or not you sign up.

Moving Beyond Surface Faith: The Key Is Intentionality

Shallow faith isn't a character flaw. It's what happens when we drift instead of steer.

Depth doesn't come from sporadic effort. It comes from sustained, intentional practice guided by the Holy Spirit. You won't wake up one day and suddenly feel close to God. But if you show up: daily, humbly, honestly: transformation will come.

You are a priceless child of God. He's not frustrated with you for wanting more. He's the One who put that hunger in you in the first place.

Reflection Question

Where have you been drifting spiritually, and what is one intentional practice you can commit to this week?

Action Step

Choose one of the four disciplines (prayer, fasting, Bible study, or meditation) and practice it for five minutes a day for the next seven days. Write it down. Tell one person. Let the Holy Spirit meet you there.

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Want more resources on faith, growth, and living grounded in Christ? Visit www.laynemcdonald.com for coaching, mentorship, and practical tools to help you go deeper. Every visit to the site raises funds for families who have lost children: at no cost to you.

And if you're looking for a spiritual home where you can grow at your own pace, check out www.boundlessonlinechurch.org. Watch teachings, join family groups, and stay connected: whether or not you sign up.

You're not stuck. You're ready. And God is already making a way.