Tips & Tools to Help You Sit Awhile with God

“Father, please help . . .”

The words trickle seamlessly through my mind. There is no hesitation, no doubt, because I know He’s always there, listening.

As I walk through my day, hand in hand with my Father in heaven, conversation flows naturally. When I run into a challenge or think of someone who is struggling, I reach out to Him; I know that He’s waiting for my call, ready to help.

“Thank you, Father…” I whisper as I’m reminded of how good He is and of all that He’s done for me.

No matter how busy the day gets, we talk throughout the day.

But it’s not enough. I crave deeper. For our relationship to grow and flourish, I need to accept God’s invitation to enjoy quality time in His presence. To walk right up to His throne, sit a while with Him, and learn of Him and from Him.

But I don’t always take the time. And when I don’t, I can tell the difference.

If you’re like me, sometimes it feels like an invading army has been unleashed against your good intentions. A wandering mind, physical and emotional fatigue, doubts, a busy schedule, and simply being overwhelmed with the cares of life all seem to join forces in the attack. 

Not to mention, if we’re being honest, oftentimes, we are simply not comfortable with being so exposed in front of God. Sounds ridiculous, but it’s true, just ask Adam why he was hiding in the garden.

So, how do we fight back? How do we mount a counterattack and win the prize of a close relationship with our heavenly Father?

Prepare your heart

First, let’s start with remembering that God is merciful, and good, and loving, and faithful. Offering atonement for our sin and inviting us into His presence, He welcomes our honesty. He doesn’t turn away from our heart-deep desire to draw close to Him and renews and refreshes our strength. And, most surprisingly, He adopts us as His own.

When we call to mind who God is, talking to Him becomes a cherished privilege, one we are quick to ask Him to help us embrace.

Embrace the privilege

One of the best ways to embrace this privilege of prayer is soaking up the pages of the Bible. In it, God reveals to us His delight in a relationship with us, reminds us that prayer is a two-way communication pathway, and prods us to listen just a tad more than we speak. The Bible overflows with real-life examples of people, just like us, crying out to the God of the universe who answers in real, tangible ways. It shows us the intimacy, the power, the privilege of honest to the bone, humble prayer. Whether as poems, laments, prose, or songs, the prayers of the Bible are given to us to help us draw near to God.

Play music

Another great way of drawing near to God is through His gift of music. God loves music. He rejoices over us with singing, and throughout the Bible, from Exodus to Revelation, music features prominently as His people gather to worship Him. It is no wonder then the impact music has in helping us to express our praise and thanks to God.

Over the years, I’ve compiled various playlists that help to quiet my heart and usher me into a sweet time of fellowship with my Father in heaven, no matter what is happening in my life. My most recent  – Songs of Prayer is compiled of songs that seem to flow directly from my heart to God’s in melodies that I could only dream of singing. 

Pray

But the best way of all to connect with God’s heart is simply to talk with God. Yes, I know I said, simply, but to be fair, we all know that, sometimes, it can be quite a challenge to quiet our minds long enough to have a meaningful conversation with the One we can’t see. 

So, oftentimes for me, I start with the Bible in hand. As I listen to His voice revealed in the Scriptures, I respond in prayer - praising Him for His majesty, thanking Him for His goodness and grace, seeking forgiveness for my sins, and asking for His blessings and guidance.

And if my mind still wanders, I find that it helps to pray out loud, either alone in my room with God or as I walk with Him outdoors. There’s just something about being in nature that pulls my thoughts and praise upward.

Writing my prayers and thoughts out has also been very helpful to me. Something mysterious happens when our thoughts flow through our fingers and onto the page. As our minds become more engaged through the handwriting process, our focus sharpens, and our understanding deepens. Clarity often follows and we’re left feeling more at peace or refreshed or relieved.  

You can choose any journal you like, but because my two new journals have enriched my quiet time with God so immensely, I knew I couldn’t keep them to myself. So, for the first time, I’m excited to share about them below.

‘Beholding the Majesty of God – A Scripture Writing Journal’ is designed to help us stand in awe of God. As we write out each scripture passage that focuses on an attribute of God, we're drawn into a deeper appreciation for who God is. And isn’t that what life is all about – to know God more and more. I think you would enjoy its’ simple, inspiring design.

My other journal, the ‘Live Amazed Prayer Journal – Embracing the Privilege and Power of Praying for Others’ also features scripture writing, but it has an even further benefit. It helps us to be other-focused in our prayers, reminding us that our powerful, loving Father invites us to pray for all people everywhere. Indeed, God has reserved blessings to pour out in direct answer to our prayers. This journal celebrates God and all that He is doing in our lives and our world. I pray that it will help us to live amazed at God through prayer.

If you're interested in learning more about the journals, you can visit my Journals page HERE.

My friend, I know that, like me, you crave a deep, abiding relationship with God. I hope the tips and tools I’ve shared today will help as you strive to connect deeper with Him.

But remember, there is no right or better way. Mix it up or keep it consistent, just do what works for you. And that, right there may be the most important tip of it all – Just Do It. 

Don’t wait for things to fall into place or to feel right, or the busyness to pass, just reach out to God, now. He’s right there, just waiting to hear from you. He doesn’t mind our jumbled words and scattered thoughts (trust me, I know); He simply wants a relationship with you. Don’t let ideals keep you away from the One that promises, “ I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

 

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What about you? 

Can you feel the difference when you miss spending time with God?

 Do you wish sometimes that you could just press pause and reconnect with God? 

What are some things that distract or deter you 

from taking advantage of God’s rejuvenating offer? 

How will you connect with God today?

May grace and peace be multiplied to you,

Carlie

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Tips & Tools to Help You Sit Awhile with God