6 Tips for Building a Closer Relationship With God

Have you ever secretly been jealous of someone who seemed to have an intimate relationship with God and hear from Him all the time, as if they had some sort of supernatural direct phone line to God?

Have you ever wondered why you often feel disconnected from God, and assume you could never be as “spiritual” as that person you admire?

I know I have, and chances are you have too.  We often tend to think feeling truly connected to God is out of reach, or only for other people, but God longs for that closeness with every one of us – not because of who we are, but because of Who He is.  If we are willing to make a relationship with Him a priority, we will eventually begin feeling His closeness.

In my Proverbs 31 Devotion today, I talked about the spiritual junk food that often prevents us from focusing on our faith or feeling close to God, and you can read that devotion here.  Here on my blog today, I wanted to offer a few tips for spiritual nutrition – those things we can ‘consume’ or do to help  us build a more intimate relationship with God and feel connected with Him in heart, soul and mind.

1. Make daily prayer a must, and don’t be afraid to be honest with God. Psalm 139:2 says “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” God already knows our thoughts, fears, imperfections, and mess-ups, so when we open our prayers with honesty, repentance and seeking forgiveness, our minds are cleared to praise God and begin hearing from Him.  Keep in mind that prayer isn’t like a phone call – we don’t have to hang up and try back later.  Consider just never saying “amen” and keep the conversation going all day!

2. Spend quiet time with God. How often do we hear how important this is? But how often do we really make it a priority? Life is busy and we all have routines. But I have learned when I start my day in prayer before I even get out of bed, and then spend at least a few moments reading my daily devotion or daily scripture verse, I have a much better day overall and am more alert to God’s whispers.

3. Read your Bible. If you’re not sure how to get started, or it seems intimidating or boring, seek out some tools to help you get started and stay focused, such as a Bible reading plan or a Chronological Bible. If reading the whole thing over a year or so seems overwhelming, commit to digesting it in smaller portions, possibly reading one chapter or one book a week. God speaks through His Word, so if your goal is not only grow closer to God, but to begin hearing from Him with spiritual clarity, spending time reading what He has written will open up doors for spiritual growth. For additional info on getting the most out of reading your Bible, click here to read a past blog post which shares tips and questions for deeper bible study.

4. Spend time with other believers. Seek out friends, support groups, or bible studies where conversation will fuel your faith, not squelch it.

5. Attend church regularly. Not out of obligation but out of a desire to worship in the Lord’s house and be encouraged. Of course, we don’t have to go to church to be a good Christian, but getting a weekly dose of music, prayer, worship and fellowship is often just we need to stay focused on Christ after a long hard week, or before a hard week ahead. Hebrews 10:25 says “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” This verse reminds us not only can we gain much needed encouragement in our spiritual walk by corporately worshipping our Jesus, but we are also called to be an encouragement to others.

6. Live out your faith.  This might sound like the hard part, yet when we make the first five tips a priority in our life, then living out our faith become a reality. A heart on fire for Christ transforms our inner thoughts and desires and results in not only the desire to live out our faith, but the inspiration and motivation to do whatever it takes to do so. Living out our faith doesn’t mean never messing up, it just means we are better equipped to handle the times when we do. And not only we do benefit in wonderful, blessed ways as we live according to God’s instructions, but our life can become a shining witness to His goodness and power, and other people might long to know Him as well.

A close relationship with our Savior is possible for all of us. If we ask for it and work towards it, we can feel confident we will receive it, just as we are told in Luke 11:9-10  which says, “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

These are just some tips I have found to work well in my faith walk, but I would love for you to share what tips or daily practices you make a priority in your life to keep Christ at the forefront of your daily activities and to keep your relationship strong. Consider sharing your words of wisdom in the comment section!

11 Comments

  1. Deana on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 8:19 am

    I think it’s so important to share with each other whatever helps us grow in our grace and knowledge of our Lord. As women we are born ‘sharers’ – we share favorite products, places, give recommendations and whatever else we believe with help a sister out! However, it seems we can be so tight lipped or feel it’s too personal to share or ask a sister what she does to improve her relationship with Christ. I don’t know why this is, it probably has a lot to do with ‘political correctness’ and other outside influences that makes us feel inferior, embarrassed to inquire or just
    for fear of judgment… I’m so thankful for resources like this and that I’ve gotten passed what others may or already think of me – if a sister has a new or better way for this girl to go deeper, I’m listening! I find that whatever I read – devotional book, blog or straight to my Bible, God’s message is always right on time and straight to my heart. Now, for my ‘share’ part – I have spiral bound index cards that I will write key verses in and add my takeaway and a prayer. I have been doing this for the last two years and have found it to be my most helpful tool. I will go back to different pages and revisit, I can leave a page open on my desk to see for the day and the best part, it’s portable! I can take my little ‘books’ anywhere!



    • Tracie on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 9:08 am

      You are so right! And I love your index card idea too! Thank you for sharing!!



  2. Christine on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Recently I started reading through the Bible chronologically, but with a different purpose and plan: no time schedule, no limits, no requirements, but to just READ and absorb what God’s word says, and to see how God works through His people. What an amazing perspective to see God’s hand at work! I was inspired by my church’s pastor’s wife when she shared this, so I decided to just do it, and I have been so blessed! As ancient as Genesis may seem, God used those passages to teach me important lessons about issues I was facing today.
    The weekly worship at church is just as you describe – a cleansing of the week past, and a refueling for the week ahead! And I love being able to lead the worship songs with the worship team.
    Thanks for the reminders and encouragement in your posts today!



  3. Lucy May on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I really enjoyed your blog today. It was what I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing.



  4. Becky on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 10:29 am

    I’d like to share 3 of the ways that I try to have daily spiritual food:
    1. I have taped to my bathroom mirror the daily person or persons that I want to concentrate on praying for on that day. Monday – husband; Tuesday daughter; Wednesday missionary friends; Thursday – Bible study friends; Friday – my military friends/family; Saturday – extended family; Sunday – both sets of parents. As I get myself ready, I can pray for them at the same time.
    2.loose index cards with the date, verse and/or quote that really touched my heart. I rotate “used” cards in my car and on my dresser. When I go to get my clothes from my dresser, I take out a card and am reminded of a wonderful truth. So many times, that card has exactly what I needed for that day – and the day that I originally wrote it!
    3.Proverbs 31 daily devotions. So many times, they are written “just for me”. I dwell on the daily devotional as I eat my breakfast, sharing my thoughts with my teenage daughter.

    Thank you so much, Tracie, for your encouragement.



  5. Annie B on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Thank you for this. I so often start thinking legalistically about things — that some things are just to check off my list. It is hard when thinking that way to ‘wake up’ and really start listening/hearing what is being said to me.



  6. Mitzi on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    I really enjoyed this post today! And I’m so glad I clicked over to the comments. I’ve enjoyed reading those to… some very good pointers. I am reading through the One Year Chronological Bible, but I say ‘I’m not a morning person” and don’t always get up in time and then life hits and I’m not always getting it done later in the day either. Needless to say, I’m behind a little, but my whole reason for starting is to be more committed to reading the Word. I want that constant reminder at my bedside to dig in, and not ‘get weary in well doing’. This post has been great encouragement to press on. I also do the index cards by my bathroom mirror. I purchased a pretty bulletin board… the ones covered in fabric with ribbon… and hung it beside my mirror. It contains cards with verses I’m praying for my husband, my sons, loved ones battling cancer, an unsaved friend… you get it! It’s a great daily reminder. I subscribe to the P31 devos too, so between that and this post today, I feel a fresh start coming on. Thanks Tracie!



  7. amber Paulsen on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    Hi Tracie, it’s so nice to meet you! This is my first time on your site. You are so lovely! LOVE how you dress feminine and modest! I enjoyed reading this blog and the one on Proverbs31.org. I am struggling with my “Living out my faith” in speaking boldly about the Lord to others. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for boldness and quick obedience to do all the Lord calls me to do, and to speak of God’s amazing love more to others.
    *One thing I have started doing especially over the last few years is memorizing scripture and saying it throughout the day and in my car while I’m driving. I feel as though lies are just falling off of me as I do this. Although there are more layers of lies. Just when I feel I conquer something with Christ’s strength, I find out there is more I need help with. Praise God for the freedom He gives all of us!



  8. Ruth on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 9:59 am

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!I AM 65 YEARS OLD AND FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I HAVE FELT INFERIOR TO EVERYONE. I HAVE BEEN IN THERAPY FOR 26 YEARS TRYING TO GET PAST iT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



  9. Psykolog Aarhus on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    What really can spoil a develloping relationship is cruel jokes. Just try to find your path.



  10. Pearl on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 5:22 am

    i have been empowered with this msg.thank you very much.



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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