Deeper: An Interactive Journey to Spiritual Growth

by Michaela L. Carson

Relationships are hard. They require effort and intentionality to be healthy and thriving. Yet we often view our relationship with God differently, thinking it should be easy and intuitive. The Bible teaches us that our faith is like a tree, and after years of struggling to grow in my relationship with Christ, I was still a sapling. Then I realized that discipline is required to daily consume the nourishment found in His Word. To be a strong oak, we need nutrients to grow and thrive and a root system that is deep and expansive. These ground us when the winds of false doctrine blow and the downpour of the enemy’s lies tries to drown us.

This interactive journey is designed to be a customized roadmap helping you explore the importance of spiritual discipline and to develop your understanding of three vital Christian disciplines necessary for growth: prayer, Scripture, and community. The “Map Your Journey” segment at the end of each chapter allows you to choose your next step based on where God is uniquely leading you. These sections offer a compass to navigate your journey with the Lord by discovering deeper places of growth, a deeper understanding of His Word, and deeper intimacy with your Creator.

What if we stop expecting perfection? What if we accept where we are and who we are? Could we maybe go deeper with God if we set aside our expectations and started seeking His? I pray the strategies in these pages teach you a fresh way to love Him, because no matter where you are in your relationship with God, there is one thing that we all need—to go deeper!

154 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2022

About the author

Michaela L. Carson is a biblically-guided author and communicator who has served in Christian ministry for over 25 years. Gifted with a passion for writing at a young age, Michaela has used this gift to serve the Church by writing and teaching Bible study curriculum for children, small groups, and women. Her involvement in multiple church ministries has allowed her a unique perspective on discipleship and spiritual disciplines. She has a strong desire to see believers of all ages and walks of life experience deeper growth in their walk with Jesus.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeper is probably the most practical and uplifting book about spiritual growth and discipline that I have ever read. Michaela's book provides a framework to develop spiritual discipline and grow your relationship with God. I love that this is a book that I can return to time and again as a reference and growth tool. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to go deeper in their spiritual journey.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeper: An Interactive Journey to Spiritual Growth by Michaela L. Carson
I woke up every morning opening up this faith journal. It is carefully designed to help me dig deeper into who I am, using intentional, guided focus areas. The reflection questions guided me into a much deeper personal journey through my life experiences, which helped me recognize why I do what I do. The author's navigation through four different areas, Discipline, Prayer, Scripture, and Community, encouraged me to have a deeper, intimate relationship with God. I found myself craving more time with God and a desire to grow in ways I was hesitant to stretch myself. I enjoyed the author's unique opportunity to pick where you wanted to focus on in the reflection questions, but also to personally realize I wanted to go beyond the surface of my faith journey and do more. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this devotional each morning. If you are looking for a daily devotion to dig deeper but not take up your whole morning and grow your spiritual walk, this is for you. I highly recommend the book Deeper to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking reflection that will foster an intimate relationship with your Creator and provide stretching to grow you in your faith walk.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Deeper during a season where my faith felt stagnant, and I can honestly say it came at exactly the right time. Michaela L. Carson writes with a warmth and vulnerability that immediately puts you at ease, this doesn't feel like a theology textbook, it feels like a conversation with someone who has genuinely walked the same struggles.
The tree metaphor that runs throughout the book is simple but remarkably effective. It reframes spiritual growth in a way that feels both accessible and deeply motivating. Carson doesn't shame you for where you are, she meets you there and gently points you forward.
What sets this workbook apart from others I've used is the Map Your Journey section at the end of each chapter. Rather than giving you a rigid checklist, it lets you respond to where God is actually leading you personally. That customized approach made the experience feel genuinely alive rather than mechanical.
The three disciplines, prayer, Scripture, and community, are covered with real depth and practical application throughout.
My only note is that I wished certain chapters were a little longer. But that just means I was hungry for more.
A beautiful and genuinely transformative guide. Highly recommended.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to grow spiritually should pick up this book. But reading it won't be enough. You'll need to use the journaling processes outlined by the author. Answer the prompts. Read the deeper study scriptures. Think. Meditate. Pray.

I've been in church most of my life, and I've been studying scripture to learn and grow for more than two decades. I still had several "aha" moments while reading this book. Even more came when I followed the journaling prompts to the deep places inside my heart and mind.

While this book isn't written to be a group study, I've enjoyed talking about many of the essays with my sister, so I could see the value of coming together to discuss the topics covered without having to "share answers."

I anticipate experiencing more spiritual growth and increased closeness to the Lord after completing the next interactive bible study from Carson.