How to grow as a Christian? Maybe personal guidance (not sure)

Hi, I am from Ukraine and currently doing my duty in military service literally at war. I mention this only just to clarify why I have some restrictions and physically can't do something in the usual way. I can't attend offline (I am far away from civilization) or online (I don't have a stable schedule and have some other restrictions) groups/classes/services/etc.

Some time ago I was in a emmm really bad situation, and I promised (to myself) that if Jesus got me out alive, I would dedicate part of my life to religion. It wasn’t like a sudden conversion on the warzone or something, but maybe just the end of a long worldview and spiritual search that began long before the war.

But I have no idea how to grow in faith while on duty, since my schedule is unstable and I only have good internet from time to time (1-2 times on the week in random days)

It’s not crucial for me to follow a specific denomination, but I’m mainly looking towards the Western tradition like Episcopal/Anglican, Old Catholic or something similar. It's more important to spiritually growth educate systematically step-by-step, from the basics maybe.

If it matters, I'm 35 years old, baptized in Eastern Orthodoxy in childhood, but didn't attend church or anything like that. In civilian life I was a software engineer.

Thanks for any help

PloverWing said:

I wish you success and safety as you defend your country.

One possibility you might consider is to pray the Daily Office, as your schedule permits. My church's Book of Common Prayer has liturgies for Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. All of these are services that can be done without clergy. You can pray them on your own, or you can gather with a few friends if there are others nearby who want to join you. Praying all four each day is a lot, but pick one that fits your schedule well, and try praying it regularly -- daily, if you can.

An online version of the Book of Common Prayer is here: The Online Book of Common Prayer . It's in English, but your English seems excellent.

Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer assume you have access to a Bible. Bible passages can be found online (at least, in English; I hope Ukrainian too?), if you don't have a print copy of the Bible. Noonday Prayer and Compline (late evening) are shorter and more self-contained.

To be clear, there are many kinds of spiritual disciplines that are useful for Christians, and the Daily Office is just one. But I know a number of Christians who find it beneficial.

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Thanks a lot for the clear and specific answer, now at least I know how to start. Yes, my English is not bad (B2-C1), because I worked with foreign contractors for several years. Also, I have the Bible in different versions: Ukrainian translation (paper version) and digital English version (KJV, NIV).

Paidiske said:

I would also suggest finding out if there is an army chaplain who could discuss these things with you in person, and give you advice that fits your personal situation better.

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Yep, It could be a solution, but our unit doesn't have a chaplain, it's a vacant position for some reason. JFYI, there is no specific separete service for chaplains in ukraine army, instead each detached unit as big as regiment or brigade has 1-2 positions fo chaplain and assistant of chaplain

Shane R said:

Read the New Testament. Find 10-15 minutes a day and read page by page, methodically. Don't worry too much about trying to make sense of all of it; focus on becoming familiar with the stories and the contents. Maybe keep a small journal and write notes about sections you would like help with or to revisit. Also, learn a few basic prayers and pray them regularly.

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Thanks for the helpful advice. What can I do with places in Scripture that are not understandable for me or that raise questions I don't have the answers to? Is there something like a trustworthy New Testament commentary or place where I can ask question?