Have you ever felt like your relationship with God could be closer? Maybe you’ve been going through the motions—praying before meals, attending church, or reading a verse here and there—but deep down, you’re longing for more. You want to feel His presence, hear His voice, and experience the kind of intimacy that transforms your life.
The good news? Drawing closer to God isn’t about being perfect or having it all together. It’s about taking small, intentional steps toward Him.
Here are eight practical ways to deepen your relationship with God and experience the joy of walking closely with Him.
1. Start Your Day with God
Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, try starting your day with prayer and Scripture. Even just 10-15 minutes can make a huge difference.
- Try This: Open your Bible to a Psalm (like Psalm 23 or Psalm 46) and meditate on it. Then, spend a few minutes talking to God about your day.
2. Pray Honestly and Consistently
Prayer is simply talking to God, and He wants to hear from you—not just the polished, “churchy” prayers, but the real, raw ones. Share your joys, fears, struggles, and questions with Him.
- Try This: Set a reminder on your phone to pray at specific times during the day. It could be as simple as, “God, thank You for this moment. Help me to honor You in what I’m doing right now.”
3. Dive into Scripture
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. It’s how He speaks to us, guides us, and reveals His character. Make it a habit to read and reflect on His Word daily.
- Try This: Use a Bible reading plan or devotional to stay consistent. If you’re not sure where to start, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are a great place to begin.
4. Worship Regularly
Worship isn’t just about singing in church—it’s about acknowledging who God is and giving Him the honor He deserves. Whether it’s through music, prayer, or simply reflecting on His goodness, worship draws us closer to Him.
- Try This: Create a worship playlist with songs that help you focus on God’s character. Listen to it during your commute, while you’re cooking, or before bed.
5. Serve Others
Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Serving others is a powerful way to grow closer to God and reflect His love to the world.
- Try This: Look for opportunities to serve in your church or community. It could be volunteering at a food bank, helping a neighbor, or simply encouraging someone who’s having a tough day.
6. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given. When we thank God for His blessings—big and small—we become more aware of His presence in our lives.
- Try This: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day. They don’t have to be huge—sometimes it’s the little things, like a beautiful sunset or a kind word from a friend.
7. Spend Time in Silence
In our noisy, fast-paced world, it can be hard to hear God’s voice. But when we intentionally carve out time for silence and solitude, we create space to listen to Him.
- Try This: Find a quiet spot, set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and simply sit in silence. Let go of distractions and focus on being still in God’s presence.
8. Surround Yourself with Community
We weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. Being part of a faith community—whether it’s a small group, Bible study, or church—can encourage, challenge, and strengthen your relationship with God.
- Try This: Reach out to a friend or family member and ask if they’d like to study the Bible or pray together. Accountability and fellowship can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Closer Than You Think
Getting closer to God isn’t about checking off a to-do list or following a set of rules. It’s about taking small, intentional steps to seek Him every day. And here’s the beautiful truth: God is already close to you. He’s waiting with open arms, ready to meet you right where you are.
So, take a deep breath. Choose one or two of these steps to start with, and trust that God will meet you in the process.
