Spiritual Disciplines You May Have Never Tried

For many believers, the phrase spiritual disciplines brings to mind a familiar shortlist read your Bible, pray, maybe fast, maybe journal. These are powerful practices but they aren’t the whole picture.

The Church has a long and varied history of spiritual rhythms, many of which are rarely mentioned in modern settings. If your spiritual life feels routine or stagnant, it may not be for lack of devotion it may just be time to try something different.

Here are five lesser-known disciplines that may just reawaken your walk with God in a fresh and meaningful way.

1. Fixed-Hour Prayer

Because “when I get around to it” doesn’t always cut it.

Fixed-hour prayer, or the Daily Office, involves praying at designated times throughout the day morning, midday, evening, and even before bed. It’s been practiced since ancient times, rooted in both Jewish and early Christian traditions.

While it may seem rigid, this rhythm can actually bring freedom. Pausing to pray at set times provides a sacred anchor in a busy day, keeping your heart tethered to God through every task and transition. Apps like Common Prayer or Pray As You Go make this practice more accessible than ever.

2. Visio Divina

When beauty becomes the window to truth.

Visio Divina, meaning “divine seeing,” is like Lectio Divina’s artistic sibling. Instead of meditating on words, you meditate on images paintings, icons, or even digital artwork that depicts spiritual themes.

It’s an invitation to let God speak through what you see. Rather than consuming beauty passively, you engage it slowly and prayerfully, asking what it reveals about God, your soul, or the world around you. It’s a creative and deeply reflective way to draw closer to the Creator.

3. Silence

Not “quiet time.” Actual silence.

In a world filled with noise notifications, music, podcasts, and conversations true silence is rare. Yet silence has long been a trusted spiritual practice for those who want to hear God’s still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Start small: five minutes of total silence. No music, no scrolling, no prayers out loud just stillness. It may be uncomfortable at first, but silence creates space for clarity, presence, and peace. God doesn’t always speak in thunder. Sometimes He whispers.

4. Prayer Walking

Take your faith outside.

Prayer walking is exactly what it sounds like: you walk, and you pray. It’s both grounding and elevating. Whether you walk through your neighborhood, campus, or city, your physical presence becomes an extension of your intercession.

This practice helps you see the world through God’s eyes. As you walk, you may find yourself moved by things you never noticed before. You’re not just praying about people you’re praying among them. It’s a discipline of compassion and awareness, as much as it is movement.

5. Rule of Life

No, it’s not a cult it’s a compass.

A Rule of Life is a set of intentional practices that help you order your time, attention, and energy around your relationship with God. Think of it as a personal guide to living well with God, not just attending church or doing devotions.

Crafted to fit your unique personality and season of life, your Rule might include when you wake up, how you eat, how you rest, how you use technology, and how you relate to others. It transforms the mundane into meaningful rhythms that keep you rooted in Christ every day.

The Goal Is Not Performance It’s Presence

These practices aren’t about spiritual performance. They’re about making room. About opening your life to the quiet, surprising ways God still speaks, shapes, and shows up. Whether you’re drawn to structure or spontaneity, solitude or movement, there’s something sacred in experimenting with how you connect to the One who made you.

You don’t need to try all five. You don’t need to get it “right.” But if your current routine isn’t hitting home anymore, maybe it’s time to borrow a page from the saints and sages who found God in places modern faith sometimes forgets to look.

If this gave you a fresh way to think about your spiritual rhythm, share it with someone who’s feeling stuck or subscribe to our newsletter for more ways to meet God in unexpected places.