What Steps Do You Take to Draw Close to God Each Day?

ByKimberly McLagan
A chair sits on the end of a river pier at sunset. The scripture overlay reads, " Hear my prayer Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress I call to you, because you answer me." Psalm 86:6-7

Feeling alone and low as you struggle with infertility? When you draw close to God daily, you will receive an infusion of His supernatural support. It’s comforting to know that He is with you no matter what challenge you are facing with infertility. God has said: 

I will never leave you, I will not forsake you. 
Deuteronomy 31:8; Hebrews 13:5 NIV

God is always on call and ready to respond to your prayers through Jesus Christ —24/7, anytime, anywhere, no appointment necessary. There’s no substitute for a daily heart-to-heart talk with Him. He’s got your back. Jesus has provided an example of how to communicate when you pray.

Let’s chat about it.

The Intimate Foundations of Prayer 

While saying “Help me, Jesus!” is a simple prayer in a frantic moment, we need to avoid making that our only prayer. To come near to God, look closely at the instructions Jesus has given you about the steps in prayer. 

His prayer model is called The Lord’s Prayer (or The Our Father).

Allow yourself a few minutes to absorb every verse of His powerful prayer. (Matthew 6: 9-13) The explanations that follow each verse will enrich your conversations as you draw close to God. 

Jesus said:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 
Matthew 6:9 NIV
  • Praise God. Just as you would greet and uplift a close friend you adore, acknowledge who God is to you and what He has done for you—the air you breathe, the beauty of His creation, and the love of others. Revere Him as our sovereign Creator of the universe, who reigns in heaven yet is with us in spirit. Focus on Him first, not your problem.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.         
Matthew 6:9 NIV
  • Seek His Will. Humble yourself and be open to what He knows is best for you in the present, future, and into eternity. 
Give us today our daily bread.  
Matthew 6:11 NIV
  • Ask For Help. Have faith that God will provide for you—He knows what you need physically and spiritually, even before you ask. He wants you to engage in conversation with Him. Be thankful for what God has already given you, and for the prayers He has answered.   
Forgive us our sins (debts), 
as we forgive those who have sinned (debtors) against us.  
Matthew 6:12 NIV
  • Confess. God is holy. He listens to the prayers of those who repent. Acknowledge behaviors you have that offend Him. Ask Him to forgive you, help you to forgive others, and allow His goodness and justice in your relationships. 
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  
Matthew 6:13 NIV
  • Request His Discernment and Protection. Seek God’s assistance in steering you away from temptations and compromising choices. Ask Him to help you discern between good and evil.

Using the elements above, I end my prayers with “in the name of Jesus.” This recognizes Jesus’s unique position as the mediator between us and our Father in heaven. 

Draw Close as You Pray With Expectation and Listen for His Response. 

He responds to all prayers of faith according to His will and perfect timing.

God wants to hear from you, whether it’s a good or bad day. Answers to prayer may not come immediately.  This is a season of learning to wait on God as He allows our faith to build. 

We don’t give up or walk away. We persist in prayer and wait for His plans to evolve, which may include the character of Jesus developing in us during this chapter of life.

You can Take Time to Pray Now to the God of the Holy Bible

Before you recite The Lord’s Prayer:

  • Find a quiet, private place where you can draw close to God without interruption. Jesus said: 
But when you pray, go into your room, 
close the door, 
and pray to your Father, who is unseen. 
Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, 
will reward you. 
Matthew 6: 6-8
  • Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to help you fully comprehend each verse. What are you learning as you speak His words?

Moving Forward…

Ask yourself this:

How can I alter my schedule to engage these steps and spend special time talking to God?

Try these challenges:

  • Say ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ every day for the next week. Pause and reflect on each verse.
  • Allow silent time and listen to the messages God will infuse into your mind. What are His words saying to you? Write them down.
  • Share this link with a friend who might benefit from this post. 

Until next time, peace be with you, Kimberly

P.S. Keep in mind that each new post in this blog builds upon the previous posts. Have you read the posts on hope, patience, or ordered the FREE Guide “4 Steps to Overcome Fears and Worries?”

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