Working in Daily Christian Disciplines as a College Student

When I first came to college, it felt like a thousand things were demanding my attention all at the same time. There were so many ways I could spend my time whether that be assignments, classes, friends, or clubs. Sometimes reading your bible, prayer, or fellowship can feel like another thing to add to your to-do list or another overwhelming task for the day. But, as a fellow college student who has worked on building these disciplines in my day to day, I can say that when I have made the space for these disciplines, I’ve found more fulfillment, peace, and freedom from my schedule.

Reading your bible

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3)

First, I’d want to encourage you, if you haven’t already, to pick a time and place to read the bible once every day. It might not be the exact same time and location each day depending on your class schedule, but try to keep it as consistent as possible. Once you decide, stick with it! You’d be surprised how often it’s simply a matter of making the time and staying committed to it.

We often feel like we have less time than we actually do. In reality, those 30 minutes spent scrolling on our phones, or even time spent sleeping a little bit longer, can be used to spend time in God’s word. 

For the days when you truly don’t have the time to sit down and read, try listening to the bible through the bible app on your way to class, or read a verse or two in the morning and meditate on it throughout the day. If you’re finding it hard to stay consistent, go through a book with a friend and be accountability partners for each other!

I share these tips because I want to offer any possible way for you to stay rooted in the word. Reading our bibles is where we get to directly encounter God’s living and active word! Through it, we grow in relationship with Him, learn about His character, and are equipped with His truth. It's the best thing we could be doing for ourselves as we navigate our college lives.

Prayer

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I don’t think I truly understood what “pray without ceasing” meant until I came to college.

I remember one morning, rushing to get ready because I was running late to class. I was feeling anxious about the packed day ahead. Just as I was about to close my door, I paused, and thought, I think I should pray. So I stopped, standing in the staircase of my apartment, and prayed. It took no more than a minute or two, but it made all the difference.

Of course, it’s important to carve out intentional time to be with God in prayer, but I've come to realize that prayer can also be woven into everyday moments and it truly can be happening constantly. It can happen on your walk to class, in the car during your commute, or even in your classroom when you might be navigating a difficult conversation with your classmate.

Fellowship

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Finding a good christian community is important, but making the time to actually meet with them is crucial. When school gets busy or a different event looks more exciting, it's easy to skip the weekly bible study. But those meetings happen every week for a reason: we are meant to gather consistently!

When we regularly meet together, we help one another grow spiritually, hold each other accountable, and point one another to Christ. Through my Christian friendships, I’ve been able to be vulnerable, seek guidance, and do life alongside others who are pursuing God.

The things we might not have known how to do alone, we can find guidance in through fellowship. The spiritual disciplines I’ve mentioned throughout this blog are ones I’ve been able to grow in and strengthen with the help of my Christian community. Bible studies are not only valuable times to study scripture with others, but are there to help you learn how to apply God’s word to your own life and equip you to study the bible on your own!

Fellowship equips us, encourages us, and reminds us that we are walking this journey with others who are pursuing God alongside us.

Evangelism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

College is a time where you get to encounter so many different people. As a student, I live with non-Christian roommates, work with classmates and professors, and am a part of various clubs. These settings provide countless opportunities for meaningful, evangelistic conversations.  

I’ve found that college campuses are some of the best places to evangelise. Many students are actively questioning their values and beliefs, and more often than not, they’re open and willing to listen. One of the most effective ways I’ve learned to practice evangelism is by doing it alongside other Christian students. Going around campus and sharing the gospel together has been both powerful and encouraging and has helped me to grow in confidence and deepen my faith.

Beyond evangelistic conversations, I’ve realized that as I live alongside and interact with all of these different people, I can reflect Christ through the way I live my everyday life. Whether it’s in how I treat my roommates, the way I engage in class, or how I serve in clubs, there are so many ways that I can show Christ’s heart to the people around me.

Final thoughts

As we navigate our busy college lives, I hope we can press into these disciplines– especially in the mundane, everyday moments–so that we remain rooted in God’s truth and His word. And when or if these disciplines feel pointless, I hope you can remember the encouragement of Psalm 1:3:

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

A tree planted by streams of water has constant access to nourishment. It can absorb more nutrients, grow deeper roots, and endure seasons of drought more effectively. In the same way, spiritual disciplines keep us close to God, helping us walk in obedience no matter where we are or what we’re facing. So let’s continue to press in and not shrink back– so that we, too, can be like trees planted by streams of water.