We all have a deep desire or longing in us that wants to connect with someone or something that understands us, accepts us, and loves us completely. The issue we run into is that even as followers of Christ we often try to fill that with hobbies, things, entertainment, church, activities or other people which leave us empty, unsatisfied, and alone.

Worse, in hard or dark times we may even be tempted to go back to old behaviors, habits or relationships. There is nothing there for us or of any true value in the old ways prior to our life in Christ. We have to come to the realization that only God and His love can truly satisfy our hearts.

How can we have a real, true, authentic, on-going relationship with the living God? By prayer and spending time with Him. We draw near by coming to the Lord openly and honestly, telling Him what is on our hearts and what concerns us. He wants us to. We can’t mess it up and we don’t have to try to impress Him.

Only Jesus can save, redeem, and heal the broken places in us. It is by His power and grace that we are able to leave behind the things of the past and begin anew each day with hope because the work He started in us He will finish.

So no matter where you are in your walk of faith, there is no better time to deepen your relationship with the Lord. Start practically by dedicating a specific time each day to just think about the Lord, pray, read His Word, and worship. If it feels a little overwhelming or you still just don’t know how to start, try 10-15 minutes a day at a time and gradually increase it until you find the right balance for you.

If you need a reminder, set an alarm on your phone just for prayer. Lastly, write prayer notes or have a prayer list. It will help you to stay on track and remind you of those you told you would pray for them. If you find you don’t know what to pray, don’t worry. Simply ask God to show you what to pray for or over.

The most important thing is to be consistent and make it a priority. You will be amazed at the things the Lord will show you, the ways the Holy Spirit will speak to you and lead you, and how you will grow spiritually when you prioritize prayer.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. ~ Psalms 42:1

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. ~ Matthew 5:6

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ~ Psalms 139:23-24

Come near to God and he will come near to you. ~ James 4:8a

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~ Jeremiah 29:13

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:13-14