From Rituals to Relationship – Breaking Free from Religious Routines
For years, I viewed my relationship with God as a series of strict routines and rituals. Every morning at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m., I would wake up for a set hour of prayer, believing that missing this time would make me a failure in God’s eyes. I fasted frequently, and each missed practice brought a wave of guilt. I thought if I didn’t follow these exact structures, I wasn’t showing God how much I loved Him.
From Performance to Presence
Over time, I realized these routines weren’t necessarily bringing me closer to God. They had become tasks to complete rather than heart-driven expressions. But as I’ve grown on my journey, I’ve come to see that Love isn’t confined to religious rituals. Love is with me every day, in every moment, and Love desires a genuine relationship, not one rooted in performance.
Finding Love in the Everyday
Now, I pray throughout the day—in the car, while I work, and in everyday moments. It’s a beautiful conversation with no beginning, no forced language and unending. No longer do I feel I need to “prove” my love by performing. I feel closer to God than ever, experiencing Love’s presence in the ebb and flow of my daily life. This transformation from rigid practices to a heart-to-heart connection has been liberating, allowing me to connect with God, who is Love in ways that feel genuine and true.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever felt confined by routines in your faith, know that God’s love isn’t dependent on performance. He’s not waiting for you to follow rituals to prove your devotion. Instead, Love is present in every moment, inviting you to experience the simplicity of doing life together.
Reflection
• Think about any routines or practices you might be following out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine connection. Are there areas where you feel pressure to “perform” in your spiritual life?
• What would it look like to invite Love into the ordinary moments of your day? Reflect on ways to cultivate a relationship with God that feels authentic, even in small, everyday interactions.
• How might letting go of performance-based spirituality change the way you experience God?
