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How Do I Grow Closer to God as a Busy Parent?

No one needs to tell you how much the paradigm shifts when you become a parent. Especially when you’re juggling parenting along with work, laundry, school drop-offs, social obligations, and maintaining your home…finding quiet moments with God can feel like an impossible dream.

Many parents long to deepen their relationship with God, yet feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and the constant demands of raising children. If you’ve ever felt spiritually distant or stagnant because of your busy parenting schedule, know that you’re not alone and not without hope.

Here is a practical guide to spiritual growth in the midst of parenting. Whether you’re a single father trying to model moral integrity for your child, or a devoted parent navigating family life with multiple children and an ever-present extended family, you’ll discover:

Let’s start by exploring why we need God the most when we’re busiest.

Why spiritual closeness with God matters even more when life is busiest

As a parent, your days are often consumed by the needs of others. Yet, it is in these hectic moments that drawing closer to God becomes not only essential but life-changing.

A closer relationship with God helps us navigate life’s chaos with peace, patience, and a sense of purpose. When we seek God first, before the noise and needs of the day, we invite His presence into our lives and our homes.

Spiritual growth as a parent transforms more than your heart; it influences the spiritual atmosphere of your household.

The Bible reminds us of the need to prioritise seeking God:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

This spiritual posture equips you to offer love, forgiveness, and grace to your children, even on the most challenging days.

So, how can we take intentional steps to draw closer to God? Let’s explore some simple ways.

Five simple, realistic practices for connecting with God daily—even with limited time

Before we get into the list, sometimes starting something new can be overwhelming. Take comfort in knowing that this is something God wants to help you with. You will not be doing this alone, based solely on your own strength.

Start small. If even a 5-item list still sounds like a lot, just begin by taking a single minute, a full 60 seconds each morning and each night, to stop, acknowledge your circumstances and surroundings, and utter a short but sincere prayer. Even if that prayer is, “God, I’m not sure how to do this yet. But I want to have faith that you’ll show me. Amen.”

1. Start your day with prayer and the word: Keep a Bible within reach. Begin each morning with a short prayer and a few verses from the Bible. Even five minutes of quality time in God’s Word can shift your perspective for the entire day.
2. Use transitional moments wisely: Turn moments like school runs, cooking, or waiting in line into opportunities for worship and prayer. Put on a Bible-based podcast, sing songs of gratitude, or reflect on a verse you want to memorize.
3. Practice gratitude daily: Cultivate a grateful heart by taking a moment to thank God for three things each day. Gratitude draws us closer to Christ and helps us focus on the good, even amid parenting challenges.
4. Set boundaries around screen time: Replace a few minutes of scrolling with time in prayer or scripture. This small exchange can grow into a habit that feeds your soul.
5. End the day with reflection: Before bed, take a moment to seek God’s presence. Reflect on the day, ask for strength, and give thanks. Invite Him into your dreams, your worries, and your tomorrow.

These simple disciplines will not only help you grow closer to God but also build a rhythm of spiritual growth in your daily routine.

Now that you’re taking steps to draw closer to God personally, you can also bring your children along with you and share this blessing with them.

How to involve your children in your spiritual journey and lead by example

Your spiritual journey can become a powerful tool for discipling your family. Children often learn more from what we live than what we say.

  • Share what you’re learning from the Bible daily. If something inspires you or gives you a deeper perspective on something, let them know.
  • Let your kids see you pray.
  • Involve them in short devotionals, family worship, or serving others.

Little things like these build an environment where faith becomes a foundational part of everyday life, not something extra or added.

Use bedtime as an anchor for connection: read a Bible story, sing a song of praise, or discuss how God was present in their day. This teaches children that seeking God is a daily, relational experience and not a chore.

Let’s move on to how biblical insights can renew your strength.

Encouraging biblical insights to renew your faith and purpose as a parent

Parenting can often expose our limitations and need for grace.

The Bible is filled with stories of imperfect people whom God used in mighty ways—Abraham, Hannah, Joseph, and Mary. God does not seek nor expect perfection. Instead, He seeks a willing heart.

Meditate on verses that encourage trusting in God:

“But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).

When you’re tired, overwhelmed, or feeling like you’re not making progress, remember that God gives strength to the weary and wisdom to those who ask.

Reflect on the example of Jesus, who, despite His busy ministry, always made time to withdraw from constant activity in order to pray. His life teaches us that spiritual renewal fuels our ability to love and serve others with joy.

As you continue to grow in faith, your life will become a living testimony to your children and others.

God is not waiting for you to be less busy

You don’t need more time in order to seek God.

All it truly takes is intention. God can take it from there, if we’re willing.

Spiritual growth happens not in perfect quiet, but in the middle of real life. As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to model an authentic faith, lived out in fullness and grace.

So take a step today.

Whether it’s a whispered prayer between errands, a bedtime Bible story, or a moment of worship in the kitchen, God meets you right there. And in doing so, He changes lives, starting with yours.

Want more encouragement and tools for growing closer to God as a parent?

Explore the Faith and Family sections on our site for more Bible-based articles that speak to your journey. You may also enjoy reading “How Can I Have Strong Faith?” for further insights into deepening your walk with Christ.

Join our community of individuals who navigate life’s challenges through faith, love, and God’s Word.

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