a different approach

1. SpiritualPractice
from Daniel Keeran, MSW
Here is an example of what you can say to come near to God. First, remind yourself:
“God made the universe and holds everything together.1 Jesus promised to make his
home with me.2 God is always near and present because I live and move in God who is
all around me.3 This God is here now, near me and seeing me, and eager to hear from
me.4 Now in faith believing and knowing God is as close as my breath, I can hear his
voice loving and forgiving me.5 I know that I can tell him what I feel and what I want to
do, and he will do it if it will serve his purpose and glorify him because that’s all I ever
want to do.”
Then think something like:
“Thank you, God. I know you are here right now.6 Show me things that will encourage
others and serve your purpose. Thank you for always being with me to guide me and
make good things happen.7 I will always trust and never doubt you, Lord. But if I do
doubt, I know you will still be there patiently and eagerly waiting for me.8 In Jesus’
beautiful name. Amen.”
1. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. – Colossians 1:17
2. Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will
come to them and make our home with them.” – John 14:23
3. For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his
offspring.' – Acts 17:28
4. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. – James 4:8
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the
eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13
5. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that
neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height
nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37-39
6. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you
are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the
far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely
the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to
you; the night will shine like the day, or darkness is as light to you.- Psalm 139:7-12
7. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been
called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
8. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell
on his neck, and kissed him. – Luke 15:20
9. Remember that caring for the poor and loving those who oppose you, are ways to come near to God.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of
your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:44,45
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN