Prayer: Building a Closer Relationship With Jesus

An Earnest Desire for Closeness

Heavenly Father, the one true God who created the heavens and the earth, I have a yearning in my soul – a yearning to know Jesus more deeply, more intimately. While I thank you for the blessings of life and provision, I recognize that the most priceless blessing of all is the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Yet, sometimes, the cares of this world and my own imperfections keep me at a distance. Lord, I ask for Your guidance as I seek to strengthen my relationship with Jesus.

May the Holy Spirit work within me to deepen my understanding and love for Him. Cast away any obstacles – be they of the world or of my own making – that prevent me from drawing near. Help me, Lord, to carve out time for prayer, for reading Your Word, and for fellowship, that I might continually walk closer with Jesus.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

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Immersing in the Word of God

Dear Lord, I know that the Bible is not merely a text but the living Word that reveals the nature and teachings of Jesus. I pray for a zeal to dive into Your Word, not as a routine, but with a craving to understand more of who Jesus is. May each verse, each story, each lesson enrich my knowledge and love for Him.

Bless me with the wisdom to understand the scriptures and apply them in my daily life. Allow me to seek out and cherish the teachings of Jesus, using them as a compass that continually guides me back to Him.

May I not just be a hearer of the Word, but also a doer, embodying the teachings of Jesus in my thoughts, words, and actions.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

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Prayer and Listening

Precious Jesus, I acknowledge that prayer is a dialogue and not merely a list of requests or praises. As I seek to build a closer relationship with You, teach me the art of listening in prayer. Guide me to still my heart, to wait on You, and to listen keenly for the promptings and whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Grant me the patience and humility to seek Your face in the silence and solitude, that I might hear Your comforting words, Your correction, and Your guidance for my life. May my prayers be a sweet aroma to You, an expression of my longing to know You more intimately.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

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Sustaining the Relationship

Father, I understand that building a closer relationship with Jesus is a lifelong journey, not a momentary endeavor. I commit to putting in the time, the effort, and the love required to continually draw closer to Him.

I know the world will challenge this commitment. But with Your help, I will strive to put Jesus at the center of my life, today and every day.

Help me to persist in prayer, to delve deeper into Your Word, and to listen for Your voice in all circumstances. Keep me accountable in this pursuit, Lord, and may my growing relationship with

Jesus also make me a vessel through which others can come to know Him better. In the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

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Building a relationship with our Savior

Beloved and merciful Father, help our relationship with You to grow daily. Guide and direct us in Your ways and Your wisdom.

Fill us as we hunger and thirst after Your righteousness, so we can fall so deeply in love with YOU that nothing else matters.

As we pray, Lord, may we learn to decipher Your voice. Let everything around us just fall away as we cling to Your gentle presence. Jesus, You are a genuine friend that sticks closer than a brother. Your faithfulness has never fallen short hence why we shall not fall short of Your glory.

James 2:23 The Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

What a Friend we have in Jesus

All the kings and queens we have ever known in history, sent their people out to die for them. But only one King, our Savior, Jesus, decided to die for us, His people. And by His Grace, we are saved. By His stripes, we are healed.

Worthy is the Lamb who sits upon the throne! What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs YOU bear. What a WONDERFUL privilege to carry everything to YOU, oh GOD, in prayer.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Remove All Negativity

Remove the pretenders and the people who only contribute to the negativity in our lives. Teach us how to be true friends to others. Give us patience. Help us to show love, kindness, and generosity.

Father, we know that if we diligently seek You, You shall reward us. Therefore we declare that our friendship with You continues to grow daily and our faithfulness never runs dry! In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen!

Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”