5 Tips for Growing Closer to God in College

Summer Peoples
Feb 24, 2017
3 min read

James 4:8

"Draw near to God and he will draw near to you"

It's to no surprise that many students lose their faith in college. Time management is a huge aspect of college--and finding time to manage homework, studying, class, extracurriculars, sleep, a social life, any free time, and your relationship to God--can be quite challenging.

But does this busy lifestyle justify why some of us seemingly let our relationship with God diminish, or completely disintegrate? Absolutely not.

In fact, I find it especially comforting during my busiest weeks to set aside time for prayer with God. Now, this isn't to say that you should only pray when you're having a hard week, but it's definitely nice to have that extra boost when you really need it. Isaiah 40:31 states, "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength." If we would just take even 5 minutes throughout our busy day to talk to God, I think it would make the world of a difference.

Now, you don't have to be a college student to utilize these four tips. If you're someone who simply just wants to grow in your faith and become closer to God, here are my tips for you:

1. Make Him a Priority

Enough said.

2. Join a Weekly Bible Study Group

It's once a week, every week. In my college experience, bible study has really made a difference for me--not only have I met new people, but I've grown deeper in my faith. At the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, we have a church on campus called the Ecumenical Religious Center, which offers various masses and other opportunities for numerous religions. Because I am Catholic, I am apart of the Newman Parish on campus. During my first semester, my friend, Aly, and I, decided to join a women's "small group" bible study offered by Newman Parish. We meet every Wednesday morning at 8:50 AM for bible study, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Each week we have various topics/readings that we discuss with our lovely group leader, Alice. Personally, I feel that starting my Wednesday morning off with the Lord and these wonderful girls is very empowering. Bible study has made me want to learn more about his teachings, and build an even stronger relationship with him!

3. Read Scripture Every Day

The Bible is God's ultimate resource for us. Reading scripture is SO important, and it could be as simple as downloading a Bible app on your phone and reading a verse every morning when you wake up, and/or before you go to bed (See, I even made this one easy for you...just click on the blue words above to go to the app store). ☺ Get yourself a bible for your dorm, maybe download a Bible app, and seek out his teachings--whip out that highlighter and highlight the verses that stick out to you. Utilize it like it is a road map for your life!

4. Attend Mass on Sundays

Okay, this one is kind of a no-brainer, but it still needs to be emphasized. I know sometimes it can be hard to get up early on a Sunday morning after a Saturday night out, but it's an hour out of your day to spend time with God. Exodus 20:8 says, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." On the seventh day after God created the earth, he took a day of rest--not because he was tired, but rather because he wanted to set an example for us. If you don't have a church on campus, look around the area and find the right fit for you. Ask friends to come with you. Go alone. Do whatever you gotta do, because Sundays are meant for prayer and rest--and what better way to worship God than going to church on Sunday?

5. Start a Prayer Journal

I just started my prayer journal about a month ago, and I LOVE IT! It all started when I stumbled across this cute journal at TJ MAXX for around $4.99 when I was shopping with my mom. At the time, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. But after scrolling through a few pins on Pinterest, I came across the idea of a prayer journal. In the journal, you can record blessings that come your way throughout the day, week, etc., by adding a prayer of thanks or praise. In addition, you can make "prayer requests" and record the answers as they come. By recording these types of things, you will become more keenly aware of how God is working everyday in your life! It's a great tool to use to remind you of how faithful and good God is!