How to Connect With God Authentically and Move Past Formal Faith Routines
How many of you have ever felt like your faith life is just a routine? You show up, you check the boxes, but deep inside you still feel a little empty or like something's just missing? Let me tell you, I have been there more times than I can count. We all want to know how to connect with God for real, not just follow a script, and moving from ritual to relationship is often where that shift begins. That's what we're digging into right here: the simple, practical steps that shift your faith from formality to genuine connection with God—because that's exactly what He wants for us.
What Does It Actually Mean to Connect With God?
I remember sitting in my favorite chair, coffee in hand, asking God if He really saw me or if I was just another face in the crowd. Here's the thing—how to connect with God isn't just about saying the right words or checking things off your spiritual to-do list. It's about relationship. It's about talking, listening, and letting Him into the real, sometimes messy, parts of your day, which is how hearing God's voice daily often grows.
Sometimes we think how to connect with God means looking or sounding a certain way, but healing from spiritual perfectionism helps us release that pressure. But God doesn't want us to come with fancy words or a perfect track record. He just wants us. He wants our every joy, struggle, frustration, and question. The mess and the beauty. All of it.
Why Moving Past Formality Matters
Can I tell you something? Doing the "right" things—like attending church, saying prayers, volunteering—is good. But those things are not the goal. The goal is real connection. Our hearts long to know how to connect with God in a way that changes our everyday, not just our Sundays.
- Authentic faith looks different for each of us
- It's okay to come to God confused, tired, or doubting
- Real relationship means we talk and listen, not just perform
And let me just say this—it's okay if you have seasons where it feels hard or awkward, because spiritual rebuilding after setbacks is part of a living faith. The goal isn't perfection, it's presence. Will you let Him meet you in the daily stuff?
How to Connect With God in Real Life Moments
In our recent podcast episode, I talked about what this looks like for me. For our family, there are plenty of messy moments—travel chaos, six people squeezed into our little home on wheels, and plenty of not-so-instagram-worthy days. But that's where I've seen God meet me most, reminding me that finding God in hard times is often deeply personal. Let me give you some things that helped me move past formality and grow a real connection:
Talk With God Like He's Your Closest Friend
I used to think prayer had to sound churchy or deep. Now, I just talk to Him. I tell Him when I'm grateful, annoyed, or scared. I ask Him real questions. "Father, what do I need to learn right now?" That simple question has shifted so much for me. How to connect with God is about honest, open dialogue—not performance.
Listen for His Voice Through His Word
Let me share this tip: God's Word is not just a textbook, it's His love letter to us. When I spend time reading scripture—even just a bible verse or two—I begin to recognize what God's voice sounds like. That helps me know when He's speaking to my heart in the middle of my day.
One verse that has helped me is James 1:5 (CSB): "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him." That promise is simple. If you want to know how to connect with God, start by asking. He is generous with His presence. He is for you, not against you.
Practice Noticing God in Everyday Life
Some days, the most spiritual thing I do is pause on a walk and thank Him for the sky. How to connect with God can look like noticing small blessings—a kind word, a quiet moment, a hard lesson that stretches you. Each one is a chance to invite Him in.
- Start by inviting God into morning routines
- Pause to thank Him for something in the middle of stress
- Share joys and worries aloud as if He’s right beside you (because He is)
Tools That Help You Move Past Formal Faith Routines
Can I share some things that help? I’m not perfect at this. But these are practical:
- Open your Bible, even for five minutes, and read a few verses. Let His words sink in.
- Talk to Him about what’s actually on your heart. Not what you think you should say.
- Write down what you hear or sense. Sometimes He speaks quietly.
- Ask questions: God, what can I learn here? How do I love this person better?
- Share your honest struggles with a safe friend. Community makes a difference.
How to connect with God becomes real when we risk doing something different. That might mean being honest with God for the first time in a while. Or putting down your phone for five minutes to talk to Him instead. Remember, He loves real people—not perfect ones.
What About When You Feel Far Away?
Here’s the truth: Sometimes you will feel like God is silent. That doesn’t mean He’s left you. He is still right there, steady and faithful. In those moments, go back to what you know. Tell Him how you feel. He can handle your honesty. You learn how to connect with God as you practice—little by little, not all at once.
Why Small Shifts Make a Big Difference in Your Faith
Ladies, small changes are powerful. When you start the day by inviting God into the smallest moments, things shift. I remember little moments—sitting with a cup of coffee, looking out the RV window, just telling God, "Thank you for this moment. Teach me what I need to learn here." It's not dramatic, but it works. That's how to connect with God in real life, not just in Sunday best.
Maybe nobody else even notices but your heart will. Pretty soon, you find yourself going to God first, out of habit—not obligation. The more you know Him, the more you want that time. It gets easier. And it gets sweeter.
Let Go of Performing. Choose Relationship
God didn’t ask you to earn His love or prove your worth. He’s waiting for you to talk, to listen, to rest in Him—not to perform. You don’t have to be in the perfect mood or say the right words. Just be honest. How to connect with God starts with a simple, "Here I am, Lord." That’s it.
Three Practical Steps You Can Take Today to Build Real Connection
- Ask God a simple question: What do I need to know right now? Listen quietly, even a minute.
- Read one Psalm (try Psalm 119)—any verse. Let the words speak to you.
- Tell God something true about your day or your heart—however small.
These are easy ways to practice how to connect with God. Don’t get stuck thinking it has to be more complicated. It’s about presence, honesty, and a little bit of courage to do something new.
Let’s Make This Real—Together
We are all learning. Nobody has arrived. That’s why our community matters so much. In my heart, I want this to be a safe place where we can ask real questions, share our lives, and help each other find how to connect with God beyond routine. I promise, if you start, even imperfectly, you’ll see changes in your own heart—and the people around you will notice too.
Friend, you are not alone. No matter how far you feel, God is never far away. Take one step today. Talk to Him right now, wherever you are. Pick up His Word. Ask Him one question. Let Him meet you. And if you want some practical encouragement, I invite you to listen in to our recent podcast episode. There’s always space at the table for you.
If you’re ready for more stories, more encouragement, and some real talk about faith in real life, make sure to subscribe and listen to the full episode. Let’s keep growing together. Remember, even small shifts in how you connect with God can lead to big changes in your life.
