Reading God’s word.

Consistently reading Scripture and other spiritual writings deepens our understanding of our faith. We can keep our favorite saint’s writing near our beds to read a few pages before we fall asleep or when we awake. Or we can dedicate time each day to reading the Bible, whether following the daily Mass readings or using the Bible in a Year podcast, for example.

Befriending the Lord.

Just as we regularly call or text our friends and loved ones, so, too, do we need to engage in real conversation with God. He unceasingly invites us to his heart, and we should accept it daily. A conversation with God could mean praying a decade of the rosary or just speaking our thoughts and feelings. God wants to hear from us. We need to talk – and listen.

Service.

Whether it’s volunteering at our local soup kitchen, reading at Mass or raking the leaves from our elderly neighbor’s lawn, when we give our time to others, we are doing what Christ called us to do: acts of charity. The Apostle James wrote, “Faith, if it has no works, is dead.” (Js 2:17) When we serve others, we live out our faith and serve Christ: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40)

Reflection.

Reflecting helps us learn from our mistakes, improve our characters and notice God’s blessings in our daily lives. We can pray with St. Ignatius’ Daily Examen, which prompts us to become aware of God’s presence, grateful for his grace and hopeful for tomorrow. We should also periodically make the sacrament of reconciliation and examine our conscience prior to confession. Through God’s holy absolution, we leave the confessional feeling pure and whole again.

Building up holy habits takes time and self-discipline. But this process helps us put our full trust in the Lord and love him unconditionally, just as he loves us. And that’s worth all the effort.