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7 steps to creating intimacy with God
Just as sleep is required for the body to regenerate on a daily basis, so is a daily quiet time needed to rejuvenate the spirit
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Here are seven steps to creating intimacy with God:
1. Make a commitment to have a Quiet Time every day
Determine the value of intimacy with God has in your life. View it equally as important as food for your body or the oxygen you need to breathe.
2. Prioritize your Quiet Time
This really has to be your first and most important activity of your day. It’s likely that every day you have to decide which things you’re going to do that have the highest priority. If you make a list of things to do, put this as number one.
3. Choose a place and schedule a time daily to have your Quiet Time
For most people, first thing in the morning seems to work well. It helps set the day in the right direction with the determination to follow the Lord’s lead. Select a comfortable spot that keeps you free from distractions. I have a favorite chair by the window. But yours could be something entirely different that best suits your needs. I’ve heard of everything from having it in the car in the parking lot outside work, to a busy mom with little kids retreating to a closet. Whatever location you select, view it as a sanctuary where you can meet one-on-one with God.
4. Read God’s Word
There are so many great Bible reading plans with a variety of ways to go through the Scriptures. Almost every year since I surrendered my life to Christ, I make it a goal to read through the Bible in a year. It has been the number one way for me to gain God’s perspective on who He is and how He relates to us.
5. Use a journal to record your thoughts and insights
This does not have to be a lengthy nor complicated process. As you read or when you’ve finished reading a section of Scripture, simply write down a few words, phrases or sentences that express your insights. Make it personal and make it applicable.
6. Pray
This is not some kind of formal, lengthy, religious ritual. Rather it is simply a conversation, in your own words, talking with God about the insights He shared with you. You will want to praise Him for who He is, thank Him for what He’s done, and like a child with his father, ask Him for what you (or others) need.
7. Make it count
Find the one thing from your time spent with God that you will take with you throughout the day. Make it something you can apply to your everyday life as a tangible action item.
“Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for awhile” (Mark 6:31).
Let Us Pray:
