How can I grow my faith?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, growing in faith is not a mere intellectual exercise but an active, synergistic process between God’s grace and human will. As St. Augustine notes, "God’s grace precedes any faith or action on our part," yet we must respond through specific spiritual disciplines.

Here is how you can grow your faith according to the teachings of the Church and the Holy Fathers:

1. Endurance Through Trials

Growth often occurs through adversity. St. John Chrysostom explains that faith increases "when we suffer something horrible for the sake of faith." He compares a growing faith to a house that remains unshaken when the winds and rains assail it. When you remain steadfast during a "violent storm," your faith becomes more exalted and solidly established.

2. The Discipline of Prayer

Growth in faith is inseparable from your prayer life. St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain teaches that it is "impossible to make progress in prayer without general progress in Christian life." To grow:

• Use Set Prayers: Praying from the Agpeya ensures your prayer life remains consistent and grounded in the Psalms.
• The Jesus Prayer: Frequent use of short appeals, such as "My Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," keeps the heart in constant communion with God.
• Persistence: Even when the heart feels "withered and dry," continuing to pray is an act of faith that eventually leads to a stronger sense of God’s presence.

3. Service and Charity

Faith is not a dormant feeling; it is manifested through agape—love. As St. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians, we are all members of one body. To grow in Christ, we must:

• Perform good works and charity, as these are the fruits of a faithful life.
• Care for other members of the body; "if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it." Faith grows when we move from self-centeredness to communal love.

4. Repentance

You cannot grow if your soul is burdened by unconfessed sin. St. Nicodemus emphasizes that you must "hasten to purify yourself by repentance" so that you can look upon the Lord boldly. Regular participation in the Sacrament of Confession is vital to remove the barriers between you and God.

5. Cutting Off Your Own Will

True faith involves total trust in God's providence. This requires practicing humility and obedience. By "cutting off your own will" and submitting to the guidance of a spiritual father and the traditions of the Church, you make room for the Holy Spirit to work within you.

6. Sacramental Life

Faith is nourished by the "Bread of Life." Regular participation in the Divine Liturgy and receiving the Holy Eucharist provides the spiritual nourishment necessary for the soul to mature.

In summary, faith grows through a combination of faith and action. By remaining steadfast in trials, diligent in prayer, sincere in repentance, and active in love, you move closer to the "ultimate potentialities of human nature" as designed by God.