Transform Your Walk with God—One experiment at a Time

Do you want your walk with God to bear fruit in ways that impact the people around you?

Below are 20 practical yet powerful experiments shared by the guests on Season 2 of our podcast—Called Beyond. These experiments are categorized into three spiritual rhythms we find in the life of Jesus, and they work in concert with each other: the Cave (being alone with God), the Table (experiencing God in community), and the Road (partnering with God on mission).

Why Experiments Matter

  • The idea behind “experiments” is that they offer us a way of saying yes to Jesus, even when we don’t have it all figured out. They remind us that obedience doesn’t require perfection—just the willingness to take a small step of faith. Ready to go?

Choose Your Own Adventure

  • As you explore the list of experiments you can focus on the area of your walk with God that feels most significant to you right now. Simply click the “˅” by each experiment to read the details and get started!

 

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Progress Tracker:

  • I completed all the Cave experiments
  • Prayer is not just about speaking to God—it’s about meeting with him. Let’s see what would happen if you find Jesus sitting at a table with you.

    The Experiment:
    Close your eyes and picture yourself meeting Jesus at a table. Make eye contact and imagine him smiling at you. As distracting thoughts arise, simply acknowledge them and place them on the table. Return your attention to simply being with Jesus at the table. Stay as long as you’d like. 

    What did you notice? How did you feel? Practice this whenever you long for Jesus’s presence. 

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 2 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Matthew “Chewy” Ocenasek.

  • Perhaps you’re trying to make an impact for the gospel in your workplace, neighborhood, or a foreign land. Get insight from God on how to pray strategically to see the gospel move in powerful ways. 

    The Experiment: Write an “I Am” poem from the perspective of the place or space you’re serving in. Begin with the prompt “I am…” and listen in prayer for what your neighborhood, office, or physical space might say if it could speak. Ask questions like: 

    • What are the wounds here?

    • What does this space long for?

    • What is God’s heart for this space?

    Then write your poem. I am ___ (jealous, etc.). I am ____ (waiting for breakthrough, etc.). Then, pray for the place or space you’re serving in with this new insight.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 3 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Alice Collier.

  • Cultivate a deeper awareness of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your everyday spiritual life. This challenge will help you exercise discernment.

    The Experiment: Find a little bit of space from the whirlwind of life, even just 10-15 minutes and then, ask God: Is my experience with you actually supernatural? Is there more for me? 

    Pay attention to what arises:

    • A yes or no?

    • What is your body telling you?

    • A verse? 

    • Mental Image? 

    • Worship song?

    • A deep sense of peace or conviction?

    Just go for it and see what happens. 

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 7 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Keith Peeler.

  • See what God wants to show you on your white wall. Furthermore, experience what he thinks about it through this experiment.

    The Experiment: Visualize a blank white wall, like an art gallery. Place something personal or painful on it—a memory, a relationship, a struggle. Then ask Jesus to stand beside you and show you his perspective. What does he see? What does he want you to know? It’s a powerful step into inner healing and Spirit-led transformation. This tool is available through the Everfree website.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 7 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Megan Peeler.

  • Set aside unhurried time with the Lord, not to do, but to be. To rest, receive, and regain your strength while practicing breath prayers to ground yourself in God’s presence.

    The Experiment: Try this breath prayer practice to slow your body and mind:

    • Light a candle or find a quiet, comfortable place

    • Close your eyes and breathe deeply

    • On the inhale, pray: “It is well…”

    • On the exhale, pray: “…with my soul.”

    • Repeat slowly, letting the truth wash over you

    Use any other verse you’d like to try next time. 

    Jesus withdrew to quiet places. We too must pause and ground ourselves in God’s presence—especially when life beckons us to always be moving. Let your cave time be the strength behind your obedience to God.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 9 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Charlotte Penketh.

  • Feeling spiritually dry, distant, or frustrated? Try radical honesty with God by writing your own Psalm. 

    The Experiment: Grab some paper and pen, a journal, or open your notes app. Write out how you really feel about God’s absence, silence, or delay. Don’t filter yourself and don’t try to resolve it.

    Example: “God, I don’t know where you went. I feel abandoned. It’d be nice if you came back.” Let your pen do the praying—even if you can't.

    God delights in your honesty more than your eloquence. Just be real.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 10 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Darren Rusco.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Progress Tracker:

  • I completed all the Table experiments
  • Engaging Scripture daily will always shape us in profound ways, but what about when it’s a shared rhythm for your family, your team, or your neighbors? This simple spiritual rhythm will strengthen your private time with God (cave) and build a deeper connection with others (table).

    The Experiment: Commit to a daily Bible reading plan—like a Psalm or a chapter of a book of the Gospel each day—and invite a few others to do it with you. Share reflections, pray for one another, and let it shape not only you, but those you’re doing it with too.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 1 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Darren Prince.

  • A healthy community celebrates what God is doing in each other’s lives. One of the most powerful things you can do is acknowledge, call out, and affirm the ways God has uniquely created and gifted you and others.

    The Experiment: Spend time with Jesus at the table in prayer and ask him:

    • “What do you like about me?”

    • “What did you put in me that is strategic and purposeful to partner with you, Jesus?

    • “How do I do that well with other people too?”

    Then, ask Jesus the same questions about those you do life and work with. Share that with them! Celebrate and encourage them! Affirm their calling—and come alongside them as God leads you. 

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 2 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Taylor Smith.

  • Gratitude grounds us in God’s goodness. Taking it a step, or a few, further can expand our perspective of where and how God is working, and turn ordinary moments into sacred ones. 

    The Experiment: Find one simple thing you’re thankful for and start there, then keep going! Think about it in layers. For example: “Thank you for this meal… and for the tomatoes from the market… and for the farmers who grew them… and for the friends I get to share it with…” This posture of gratitude is especially powerful in moments of struggle or discouragement. Try practicing it around the table—with others or in your heart before the Lord.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 4 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Sara Sutherland.

  • Processing situations, decisions, or what you’re hearing from God with a friend can help bring clarity. Go one step deeper in your community by pausing to have them listen to God on your behalf and share what they heard or sensed. 

    The Experiment: This week, find a way to listen to God on behalf of others.

    • Identify a few people in your life—whether family, friends, or ministry partners—and ask God to speak to you for them.

    • Share whatever impressions, words, or scripture he gives you, even if it feels incomplete or imperfect.

    Remember, we all have access to God’s voice and can bring his revelation to one another.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 11 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Ali.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

Progress Tracker:

  • I completed all the Road experiments
  • Overwhelmed by what it means to be on mission? Jesus said “go,” but the real barrier for most isn’t actual knowledge—it’s courage. The good news is that time in the cave (with God) and around the table (with others) prepares and strengthens us for the road.

    The Experiment: Choose a friend and walk one of your neighborhoods together. As you walk, pray for each home you pass. It’s a simple act of faith and presence that can open doors to deeper conversations and opportunities to serve. Most importantly—go with someone. You’ll be braver together.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 1 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Bill Randall.

  • God’s presence isn’t limited to perfect environments or polished efforts. One powerful spiritual practice is releasing control as you step into creative or relational risks.

    The Experiment: In whatever you’re doing—a conversation, a creative project, an act of hospitality—practice the presence of Jesus by consciously inviting him to be with you as you are. Let go of the need to do it perfectly. Say to Jesus, “I don’t need to nail this—I just want to take the next step with you.” Reorient to a posture of dependence and trust that welcomes both vulnerability and breakthrough.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 3 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Chris Somogyi.

  • God’s invitations are often simple, but significant. When we create space to hear his voice, he invites us to partner in his redemptive work, often through small acts of obedience.

    The Experiment: Ask yourself two questions:

    1. What is the Lord saying to me?

    2. What am I doing about it? Practice tuning your heart to God’s voice (cave) and responding in faithful, concrete steps (road). Don’t overcomplicate it—just listen and obey.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 4 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Stu Sutherland.

  • We need time in the cave to be spiritually grounded and available to God—but the journey doesn’t stop there. Our unique gifts are meant to be put to use on the road, even when it doesn’t go as planned.

    The Experiment: After doing a Cave experiment, think about something you love or feel called to do—art, cooking, music, etc.—and ask: How can I use this in God’s mission? Then, try out your idea! Opposition or chaos may try to derail you, but remember your time from the cave to keep you grounded. If God is calling you, he’ll provide what’s needed even when it’s a little bit of creativity! Simply show up and stay faithful.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 5 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Jeannie Burns.

  • God often gives us specific, Spirit-led promptings—and obedience to those small nudges can lead to profound moments of ministry.

    The Experiment: Start paying closer attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompts in everyday moments—especially those that seem small or surprising. If you sense God nudging you to speak to someone, turn around, ask a question, or offer prayer—do it. Obey without delay. You’ve been chosen, and your steps are anointed. Watch what God does through simple, faithful responsiveness.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 5 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Greg Burns.

  • God may already be up to something where you live, work, and play by placing you there. Seek his heart for those who don’t yet know him by doing a small act of daily obedience.

    The Experiment: Begin praying daily for God to give you his heart for the lost—not just in theory, but for real people in your everyday spaces. Then act. Don’t overcomplicate it—take small, practical steps of love and presence wherever you already live, work, or play. Ask yourself: Could I be the priest of my street? The chaplain of my gym? The hope-bearer at my job? You’ve already been placed there. Step into it with courage and simplicity.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 6 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from John Gash.

  • Watch as God’s Kingdom comes to a place you may not have ever thought to engage before.

    The Experiment: Ask God: What space am I in most often? Then, for the next 60 days, commit to that place—your grocery store, café, post office, gym—and:

    • Pray every time you enter

    • Learn a name

    • Ask questions

    • Bring intentional presence

    As you pray and engage, expect your heart to grow for that space and its people—even if you never "see results." The transformation begins in you.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 6 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Jonne’ Rasmussen.

  • Try this bold experiment with God in an act of surrender, trusting that he will take care of you.

    The Experiment: In prayer, say to God: "Whatever you ask next, my answer is already yes."

    Putting your “yes” on the table may mean you won’t have to struggle and strive all night to catch a fish. God may say, cast your net on the other side of the boat and it will be easier because I’ve already been there moving and providing for this moment. It’s like signing a blank page and letting God fill in the rest. 

    Listen to how he responds to your invitation, it may surprise you.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 8 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Dave Matthews.

  • Pay attention to the invitations throughout your day to encourage others and share about Jesus. He is ever-present and doesn’t leave when you come out of Cave time.

    The Experiment: This week, intentionally bring Jesus with you into your everyday routines: the store, the café, the neighborhood.

    • Ask: Jesus, what are You doing here?

    • Trust the little impressions or nudges that come.

    • If unsure, simply ask someone, “How can I pray for you?” or speak an encouraging word.

    Don’t wait for perfect clarity—trust that because he is in you and shaping you, that your words and prayers carry his presence.

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 10 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Alex Guthrie.

  • While visiting others, you can intentionally prepare in prayer to show love and encouragement in a supernatural way. God can give you special “gifts” to share with them to make them aware of his presence. 

    The Experiment: Next time you’re visiting someone, take a moment before you meet with them to:

    1. Ask God to fill your heart with His love for that person or family.

    2. Seek a specific word or verse for them—something that could only come from God.

    3. When you meet them, share your words and witness the impact.

    Offer more than just physical gifts; offer a piece of God’s heart. See what happens!

    Listen to Called Beyond Season 2, Episode 11 to hear the conversation that inspired this experiment from Josh.

 

We bless you in Jesus' name to experience spiritually rich times in the cave, around the table, and on the road.

We pray and believe for transformation in your personal relationship with Jesus, your community with other believers, and in the missional spaces the Spirit of God is inviting you into.

Read more about Cave, Table, and Road on the Novo Blog