Spiritual Disciplines That Deepen Your Relationship with God | Monica Ritchie

What does it actually mean to go deeper with God? We hear things like: pray more, read your Bible, practice Sabbath, fast, be still, and listen for God’s voice. But sometimes the Christian life can feel a little like someone telling you to “fold in the cheese.” Great... but HOW? In this episode of the Kingdom Life Coaching Podcast, I welcome back Monica Ritchie, author of Fashioned by Faith: Spiritual Disciplines for Deepening Your Relationship with God, for an honest and practical conversation about spiritual formation. Monica shares an incredible story about an unexpected encounter with God that changed her understanding of faith—and why even powerful spiritual experiences aren't enough on their own. Following Jesus involves the ongoing, everyday work of allowing God to shape and form us. We talk about how to practice spiritual disciplines without turning them into another Christian checklist, how to hear God's voice with wisdom and discernment, and why prayer should make room for us to listen—not just talk. You'll also hear about Monica's practice of “wandering prayer,” why fasting doesn't always have to involve food, how to read Scripture for formation rather than simply information, and why your questions, disappointments, anger, and lament can actually become places of deeper intimacy with God. In this conversation: How to deepen your relationship with God in everyday life Spiritual disciplines without legalism or performance Why Monica sees sanctification more like a circle than a ladder How to hear God's voice while practicing healthy discernment What “wandering prayer” is—and why distracted people may love it How fasting can reveal what we're using for comfort or control Why biblical context matters when reading Scripture Reading the Bible for formation, not just information Why lament and honest questions belong in our relationship with God Taking our fears, frustrations, and questions to God first Contentment vs. spiritual complacency How to identify the spiritual practice God may be inviting you into right now A question for you: What is fashioning you right now? We are all being formed by something—our habits, schedules, relationships, fears, desires, social media, successes, disappointments, and the voices we listen to. Rather than asking, “How can I become a better Christian?” consider asking: “God, what are You forming in me right now, and how can I make room for You?” You don't have to master every spiritual discipline. Start by noticing the invitation God is placing in front of you today. Connect with Monica Ritchie 📖 Fashioned by Faith: Spiritual Disciplines for Deepening Your Relationship with God 🌿 Monica's Website: monicaritchie.com 📱 Follow Monica on Instagram: ‪@ItsMonicaRitchie‬ 🎧 Listen to my first conversation with Monica: Ep 142 (Kingdom Life Coaching Podcast) Connect with Megan: ✨ Learn more about Kingdom Life Coaching: meganbnilsen.com 📖 Get Untangled Faith + the companion journal: meganbnilsen.com/untangledfaith 💬 Schedule a free curiosity call: meganbnilsen.com 🎧 Subscribe to the Kingdom Life Coaching Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to the channel, like this video, and share it with a friend who wants a deeper relationship with God. And tell me in the comments: Which spiritual practice is God inviting you to explore in this season? #SpiritualDisciplines #HearingGodsVoice #SpiritualFormation #ChristianWomen #ChristianPodcast #Prayer #BibleStudy #Faith #ChristianLiving #KingdomLifeCoaching