Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Interior Life (Even When You Feel Dry)

Have you ever felt like your life is stuck in a cycle of highs and lows? One day, prayer feels deep and meaningful, and the next, it feels like God is far away. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Even the saints experienced dryness—St. Teresa of Calcutta endured decades of it! Yet, they remained faithful and deepened their interior life through simple but profound habits.

The interior life is the foundation of everything. Without it, our actions become empty, our faith weakens, and our purpose feels unclear. But how do we nurture it consistently, even in seasons of struggle? Let’s explore four practical steps that will help you cultivate a richer, deeper relationship with God.

1. Create Time for Silence in Your Daily Life

The world is loud. We are constantly bombarded by notifications, responsibilities, and distractions. But God speaks in the silence.

In 1 Kings 19:11-12, Elijah didn’t find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a "gentle whisper." If we want to hear God, we must make room for silence.

Practical Step: Early in the morning before the world wakes up, dedicate 5-10 minutes to quiet reflection. Simply sit in silence, invite the Holy Spirit in, and let God speak. 

Another good way is to read and reflect on the scripture in case you’re unsure how to start.

2. Cultivate a Habit of Reading

What you feed your mind shapes your soul. Reading Scripture and the wisdom of the saints is one of the fastest ways to grow and deepen your interior life.

St. Augustine’s conversion began when he read Romans 13:13-14. St. Thérèse of Lisieux found hers in The Imitation of Christ. Great saints were formed by great books.

Practical Step: Choose one book that will nourish your slife and commit to reading just one page a day. Some excellent choices:

• The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis

• Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales

• The Gospels (start with Matthew or John)

3. Anchor Your Day in Prayer (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

Prayer isn’t about feeling—it’s about faithfulness. Many people give up on prayer when they don’t feel anything, but prayer is what keeps us connected to God.

St. John of the Cross reminds us that "silence is God's first language." Even when prayer feels dry, God is working in your soul.

Practical Step: Set fixed times for prayer, even if it’s short. Examples:

• Morning Offering: Before getting out of bed, say, “Lord, I offer this day to You.”

• Midday Pause: Take 30 seconds to acknowledge God’s presence.

• Evening Reflection: Review your day and thank God for at least one moment of grace.

4. Stay Close to the Sacraments

Nothing nourishes the soul more than the Sacraments. If your interior life feels weak, examine how often you receive the Eucharist and Confession.

St. Padre Pio said, “The earth could exist more easily without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.”

Practical Step: If possible, attend daily Mass once a week and go to Confession regularly. The grace from these sacraments strengthens you far beyond what you can see.

Final Thoughts: A Lifelong Journey

Building a deep interior life is not about never experiencing dryness—it’s about staying faithful through it. The saints persevered, and so can you.

So, which of these steps will you commit to today? Even small efforts, done with love, will bear fruit. Start now, and trust that God will meet you in your seeking.

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