Building Spiritual Habits - One Small Step at a Time
Deepening our spiritual lives can often feel daunting. We may long for a robust prayer life, the wisdom of regular Scripture meditation, or the peace of silent reflection. Yet, when faced with the sheer weight of these aspirations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
But perhaps the path to holiness doesn’t begin with grand, sweeping gestures. Instead, it might lie in something small, like the humble monkey’s fist knot used by sailors.
The Monkey’s Fist: A Lesson from the Seas
In maritime tradition, the monkey’s fist is a small but powerful tool. It’s a weighted knot tied at the end of a light rope, used to throw a much heavier line to the dock. The dockworker catches the monkey’s fist and pulls the larger, bulkier mooring line to secure the ship.
The genius of this method lies in its simplicity. A small tool accomplishes a monumental task: tethering a massive ship safely to shore.
Our spiritual lives often work the same way. By starting with small, manageable actions, we can create momentum that leads to transformative growth.
Building Spiritual Habits, One Step at a Time
Let’s explore three ways this principle can guide our journey toward virtue and holiness.
Begin with One Verse of Scripture
For many, the idea of committing to a half hour of daily Bible reading can feel overwhelming. But what if we began with just one verse? Take a moment each day to choose a short passage from Scripture, perhaps from the Gospels, and let it sink into your heart—turning it over and over in your mind and heart.
This practice, known as Lectio Divina, is less about covering large sections of text and more about encountering the living Word of God. As you reflect prayerfully on a single verse, the Holy Spirit can inspire deeper understanding and love for God’s Word. Over time, this small habit can grow into a profound and transformative relationship with Scripture.
Take a Short Walk and Pray
A brief daily walk can become an opportunity for prayer and reflection. Whether it’s praying a decade of the Rosary, reciting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or simply offering intentions to God, walking can unite physical movement with spiritual renewal.
This simple act not only anchors your day in prayer but also reminds you that God meets you in the ordinary rhythms of life. A walk with God is a reminder that our spiritual lives are meant to be lived in the midst of the world, not apart from it.
Find Stillness in One Minute of Silent Prayer
The idea of extended silent prayer might feel intimidating, but even one minute of stillness can bear fruit. Begin by sitting quietly with God each morning. Place your heart before Him and rest in His presence, without needing to say or do anything.
This small practice of silence can help you grow in awareness of God’s voice and His love. Over time, it may inspire a desire for longer moments of prayer, but even in its simplicity, one minute is a meaningful offering.
The Power of Small Beginnings
The beauty of spiritual growth lies in its accessibility. God doesn’t demand dramatic transformations or grand gestures overnight. He simply invites us to take one small, intentional step toward Him each day.
Like the monkey’s fist, these small actions—consistent prayer, a brief moment of silence, or a single verse of Scripture—create momentum for something far greater. They tether our hearts to God and help us grow in holiness, pulling us closer to Him in ways we may not immediately see but will surely experience over time.
Begin Today
What is one small step you can take today? Whether it’s a moment of stillness, a verse of Scripture, or a walk with the Rosary, begin there. God will meet you, guide you, and do the heavy lifting.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Holiness begins not in extraordinary leaps, but in the quiet surrender and simplicity of small steps. May we trust that in these humble beginnings, God’s grace will lead us into the fullness of life He desires for us.