When you know precisely what you want to accomplish and how your goals seem realistic, it's easier to achieve objectives like 10 pounds lost, debt eliminated, and a new career when they're concrete. Specifics provide a reference point and instruct you on what to do next.
It's a journey that will last a lifetime—and then some. It's not something you should expect to happen immediately. So, set any anxiety or guilt aside and commit to making modest progress each day, week, and month.
I was feeling stuck in a rut spiritually. I had been growing in my faith, talking and walking with God, but then I stopped maturing. After trying these steps, I noticed an improvement in my relationship with God.
What if there was a simple way to get closer to God? What if it only took three steps? Would you try it? I did, and now I want to share what worked for me and pray they work for you. First, you begin by getting into prayer mode.
Get Into Prayer Mode
A big part of my spiritual walk is prayer, and I found that many times when I was starting to feel distant from God, I wasn't tuning in to prayer. So I sat down one day and created a schedule to pray twice a day - Once in the morning and once in the evening.
When I sit down to pray, it's usually just God and me. I ask Him for forgiveness for whatever troubles me or has bothered me throughout the day. And at night before bed, I thank Him for all of the blessings He's given me during the day and thank Him for making me feel closer to Him than ever before.
My goal with this schedule was to spend at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes before bed talking to God. I wanted to make sure I had a connection with Him each day, no matter how busy I was. This schedule truly helped me feel closer to God, and I hope it does the same for you. Try it out for a week or so, and see how much more connected you feel with God!
Now that you're in prayer mode, next, eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions.
Eliminate Electronic Distractions
I also recommend turning off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer. Try to find a place where you can be alone and uninterrupted, even for a short while. It's not about being perfect, but it is about making an effort.
If you can't find a place to pray, don't worry about it. I was tempted to make it easier for you by listing some great spots to find solitude in, but the truth is that you can pray anywhere: your bedroom, church, bathroom (no one will judge), or even while walking the dog!
You can pray anywhere and anytime that you feel led to. Some ideas are listed below.
If you're having a hard time following or concentrating on what you're saying, don't worry about it! You may find yourself repeating the same general prayer over and over because your thoughts are all over the place. That's okay. It's not about being perfect! Just keep at it until you feel a sense of peace or hear God's voice encouraging you to continue.
You're in prayer mode and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions. Next, give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day.
Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer.
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Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day
Every day when you wake up, say a short prayer. It doesn't have to be anything too complex or lengthy. Just remember and thank God for the day that he gave you of life. Then ask Him what He would like you to do with your life today. Make it personal by mentioning specifics of things He has done for you.
And when it comes time to fall asleep, say another prayer. Thank God again for the blessing of a new day, and ask Him if there is anything that he would like you to do tomorrow. If you woke up with any problems or concerns, pray about them and ask God how to handle them.
Try to read a chapter from the Bible each day. It doesn't have to be in chronological order or necessarily anything extensive. Just try to get into it and understand what you are reading, even if that means rereading some parts over again. If possible, make sure that the section of the Bible that you chose relates somehow to what you are going through that day.
For instance, if you recently learned about a significant mistake your friend made, read the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). This will help remind you that we all make mistakes, even though God still loves us.
Write down any thoughts and questions during your devotional time. This will benefit you in the long run. If an idea or question comes to your head, write it down and ask God about it later that day. By doing this, you are helping yourself get closer to God by staying in a constant conversation with him.
Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day. Begin each day with an attitude of gratitude. Write down:
-I am grateful for
-I am grateful for
-I am grateful for
...and so on.
Finally, you're in prayer mode, and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions; gave thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day; it's time to make a few slight necessary adjustments.
Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day.
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Slight Necessary Adjustments
Try These Steps: (James 5:16)
Step 1: Change your perspective on your relationship with God. If we are willing to admit that we have grown distant from God, He is more than happy to help us feel close again!
Step 2: Start each day by reading the Bible for 10-15 minutes. It doesn't matter where in the Bible or what part of life you read about; start with reading every morning!
Step 3: Spend time in prayer each day as well. Pray for others, pray for yourself, and thank Him (God) for all He has done.
If you are willing to commit to prayer, you will see an immediate difference in your relationship with God.
Here's What You Can Do This Week
1. Find a time and place where you will not be disturbed and can focus.
2. Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer.
3. Get into what some refer to as "prayer mode." This is your way of getting ready for prayer, with an attitude of reverential awe before God.
4. Address God as Heavenly Father in your own words and use the pronouns "Thou" and "Thee."
5. Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day, but remind yourself that God knows what will happen tomorrow, too - so don't be disappointed if you forget something today or if you don't get to pray about everything that's on your mind.
6. Pray sincerely from the heart. Give thanks, express gratitude, ask for blessings and make requests of God as you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.
7. Express your feelings at any promptings from the Holy Ghost and take note of what thoughts or feelings you may have received, either from the Spirit or your thoughts.
8. Conclude your prayer with a statement of gratitude and love for God, such as, "I'm grateful for this opportunity to communicate with Thee O Heavenly Father" or "I love thee." Then take time to sit quietly and contemplate on any feelings that came through in your prayer.
9. Some people like to finish with a closing prayer, but others prefer to sit silently until their thoughts turn back to the world and they're ready to begin their day. It's up to you and what works best for you personally!
10. Make sure that you have been reverent in your demeanor and sincerely give thanks in your prayer. If any distractions come up, such as your mind wandering to thoughts or concerns that aren't related to what you're praying for, gently return them to the things that you were brought before God to pray about - making sure not to get frustrated with; yourself! Turn again and start over.
Conclusion
We all need to take some time for prayer. Prayer is essential in our lives, and we must find a way to include it in our day-to-day lives. The best time to pray is at night when you sleep, but other times during the day work well.
There's no right or wrong time of day—do what works best for your schedule! To start getting into prayer mode more often, try setting aside 10 minutes every morning before school starts or before work begins where you can spend that time praying with God about anything on your heart, from family issues, worries about finances in general (including how they may affect current debt), problems at work anything that is a burden on your heart should be shared with God.
Christians are to pray at all times, not just when they feel like it or for some specific reason. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in context, "Pray without ceasing." It doesn't mean we can't sleep or do anything besides pray. This is my testimony of how I was able to get closer to God. I hope it will help you, as well.
Drawing closer to God begins with prayer. Don't forget to join us for part two on "How to Get Closer to God." If you found value in today's post, can you do me a favor and share it? Thanks!
How do you get into prayer mode? I'd love to hear more about your prayer strategies.
