Freedom of Religion, Not Freedom from Religion!
October 18, 2024
The Secret to Going Deeper with God
March 20, 2024
We don’t sing it much anymore, but there’s a wonderful old hymn by William Cowper that goes:
O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heav’nly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!
Like me, you probably say “Amen” to that!
Because the truth is, our relationship with God can often feel distant or superficial. Most often, the place that superficiality shows itself is in our prayer life.
It’s so easy to slip into the same old patterns of praying, isn’t it? Almost without noticing, we find ourselves sticking to well-worn lines and phrases that trip off our tongues so easily.
This kind of praying is dangerous! It fails to truly engage our hearts and keeps us paddling around in the shallows of our relationship with the Lord.
So what’s the secret to breaking free from superficiality and going deeper with God?
God’s Word!
If you want to strip away all the clichés from your prayers and walk more closely with Christ, then one surefire way for that to happen is by learning to pray the Scriptures.
Let me share just three ways that praying God’s Word back to Him will enliven your spiritual walk. Praying the Scriptures will…
- Deepen your confidence because you know you’re interceding in line with God’s will.
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14) - Encourage your endurance as you keep your heart and mind focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith. (Hebrews 12:1–2) - Grow your gratitude as you are reminded of God’s incredible grace in saving and sanctifying you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
Friend, if you long for a closer walk with God, then start today by opening up His Word and letting it fuel your prayers. You’ll find yourself plunging into a deeper, more joyful walk with Him!
