For a lot of modern Christians, “spiritual disciplines” tend to fall into a very familiar loop: prayer, Bible reading, fasting… maybe journaling if you’re feeling extra spiritual. But the Church has a rich, weird, sometimes beautifully inconvenient history of creative ways people have connected with God—and some of them might surprise you.
If you’re feeling spiritually stuck, maybe it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough. Maybe you’re just missing some tools that actually work for you. Here are five lesser-known spiritual disciplines that might sound unusual, but could actually deepen your faith—and maybe even make you love your time with God again.
1. Fixed-Hour Prayer
Because “whenever I remember” isn’t exactly a strategy.
Also known as the Daily Office, fixed-hour prayer is exactly what it sounds like: setting specific times throughout the day to stop and pray. It’s been a thing since the early Church (and even earlier in Judaism), and it’s still practiced in monasteries today.
It might sound rigid, but there’s something grounding about pausing for a few minutes in the middle of chaos to re-center. Apps like Common Prayer, Pray As You Go, or even setting calendar reminders can help. And no, you don’t have to chant in Latin—unless you want to.
2. Visio Divina
Lectio Divina’s artsy cousin.
Instead of meditating on Scripture with your eyes closed, Visio Divina invites you to engage with God through visual art. You look at a piece of sacred or symbolic art (anything from a stained-glass window to a digital illustration of the Prodigal Son on Pinterest), sit with it, and let God speak through what you see.
It’s slower than scrolling Instagram but more rewarding. Think of it as holy people-watching—only the people are painted saints and the Holy Spirit’s your museum guide.
3. Silence
No, not “quiet time.” Actual silence.
Not five minutes of sipping coffee while playing instrumental worship. We’re talking no music, no distractions, no words. Just… silence.
It’s intimidating at first. But when you get past the mental static, silence can become a place of unexpected clarity. God doesn’t always shout. Sometimes He whispers—and this is one way to finally hear Him.
Try starting with five minutes. It’ll feel like eternity. That’s how you know you’re doing it right.
4. Prayer Walking
Less “sit and be still,” more “walk and don’t trip.”
You don’t have to sit on a cushion to pray. Some of the most powerful moments with God happen while moving—literally. Prayer walking is exactly what it sounds like: praying as you walk through your neighborhood, campus or city.
It’s a discipline of presence—physically placing yourself among the people and places you’re praying for. You notice things. You feel things. You might even find yourself caring more than you expected to.
Plus, you get your steps in. Look at you, thriving spiritually and physically.
5. Rule of Life
It’s not as culty as it sounds.
The Rule of Life is like a spiritual rhythm guide, not a to-do list. It’s a set of intentional habits and commitments that help you live your actual life with God—not just your Sunday life. Think of it like a personal liturgy for everyday stuff: how you wake up, eat, rest, scroll, work, relate, forgive.
It’s ancient, but shockingly practical. You get to build it based on your actual personality, season of life and needs. Some people write theirs in a journal. Others turn it into a colorful chart. If you love a good system—or just need one—this might be your spiritual sweet spot.
The point of spiritual disciplines isn’t to impress God.
It’s to become more open to Him—to slow down, pay attention, and make space for something real to happen. You don’t have to try all five. Maybe just one. Maybe the weirdest one. But if your go-to spiritual practices aren’t hitting like they used to, it might be time to borrow from the saints, monks and weirdos who came before you.
