Spending Time with God Pathway
Spending alone time with God is our foundational practice. Everything we do flows out of and finds power from our personal devotional life because from there we learn to abide in Him throughout the day. Our relationships, communities, and world benefit as we spend time with Him. That being said, everything else we do fuels our time with God as we continue to return to the Lord with what we learn, experience, and need to receive from Him.
Begin
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IT’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIP
PREPARE FOR THE TIME
You may need to schedule your time with God as part of your day. If it is before work or school in the morning, set up the space the night before to build anticipation for it. You may choose to walk or go to a coffee shop some days, so bring what you need to engage with Him.AIM TO ABIDE
The goal is not to check a box so you have something to brag about. The goal is to continually set your mind and heart on God, His Word, and His purposes. You may meet with God in your time with Him, but carry that anticipation as you expect to meet with Him throughout the day and see others encounter Him through you.PICK AN ACTIVITY
We all have to start with something. What you do may change every week or every day, but worship, prayer, and scripture reading should all be regular aspects of your time with God. Journaling is a great way to seamlessly weave between all three. -
Use song to lead you to worship. If you play an instrument, you can use that as a means to connect with God, literally making your own songs to the Lord. You can also use the Songs We Sing Spotify Playlist to help you engage with the same sort of songs that we sing on Sundays.
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Extend your time with God into the rest of your day by praying the Lord’s Prayer in your personal time with God and then twice more throughout your day (ex. lunch and bed time).
Pause with each part as you feel led to add your own personal thanksgiving, agreement, and requests. -
Take note of all the Scripture passages and key points shared during the message on Sundays. During the week, spend time rereading or considering the passage in one of the following ways:
Pray before you read. Ask God to illuminate what you read by His Holy Spirit.
Read the chapter, chapters, or whole book that surrounds the passage. This gives better context for future reading.
Write down the passage several times to help commit it to memory.
Read the passage in several translations. If there is a difference, consider checking the NET Bible for insights.
However you read the passage, do so prayerfully. At the end of your time, ask, “God, what do you want me to know?” Make a note of what you sense, and respond to it in community.
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Start with a new journal. Handwriting is best so that your prayer will involve your body while requiring a slower, meditative pace.
Aim to do it every day for 30 days. Trust the process, and wait until the end to see how it forms you. If you miss a day, be thankful the next day for the opportunity to jump right back into it.
Find a time in your day to sit and journal prayers of thanksgiving. It can start as simple as “God, thank you for…” “Jesus, I’m grateful that…” “Holy Spirit, I rejoice in…”
Don’t limit your thanks. From your shoelaces to your salvation, everything counts. Start with what comes to mind, even if you have to think about it for a moment. Then move toward being thankful not just for what God provides, but for God Himself
Allow an attitude of thankfulness to continue with you throughout your day.
You can find more details here.
Growing in our relationship with God begins with taking responsibility for our own growth. Set yourself up to begin spending time with God by reading the tips below, then start by choosing a first step.
Be Known
We grow best in authentic community. Use these questions in Lifegroup or Core Group to encourage growth, maintain accountability, and consider next steps around Scripture.
Not in a Lifegroup? Find one.
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1. How have you been connecting with and enjoying God lately? Has time alone with God been part of that?
2. How consistent has your personal time with God been? What changes could help you connect with him more consistently?
3. Does your current devotional rhythm help you connect meaningfully with God? Is there anything you need to change or include regularly to keep it fresh?
4. In what ways do you have a hard time connecting with God? Are you comfortable bringing your doubts, emotions, and frustrations to Him? How can we pray for you?
Build Together
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Explore more ways to connect with God through the other pathways:
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Alone with God by Antioch Waco
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge
Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God by Gary Thomas
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Solitude Practice By Practicing the Way, use this four-week course with your Lifegroup or Core Group to pursue spiritual health in a world of distraction.
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40 Days of Devotion by Antioch Waco. This is a devotional designed to help you start, strengthen or reignite the daily habit of spending time with the Lord.
Experience Listening to God and Talking to God in Core Group. Check out how in the Core Group Guide.
Cultivate Silence by setting a ten minute timer and sitting or kneeling to welcome God. Don’t say much but just set you mind on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You may feel helpless, but don’t try and fill the void yourself. Wait on the Lord and be surprised what you sense as you practice this over a long period of time.
Get a simple instrument and begin singing to the Lord on your own. Don't focus on playing well, but on expression genuine thanks and praise to God.
Use these resources in Lifegroup and Core Group with others to help one another have more intentional and meaningful personal times with God.
Bless
As you meet others who are trying to have a thriving relationship with God, share with them what has worked for you. If they need help, spend time with God with them. Teach them through doing it.