So, you’ve made a commitment to set aside time to focus on your relationship with God…great! Now, how do you go about it?

First of all, everyone’s time will look a little different. It’s not because God is different but because we are all wired differently.

Begin with what you naturally do to build relationships. When you first meet someone, how do you get to know them? Do you ask questions? Do you share about yourself? Do you do something together? Let the answer to those questions guide you.

I prefer to ask questions and find something out about a new person in my life. In fact, until I have established some sense of who they are and a connection with my life I am reluctant to engage in a meaningful way.

So, I begin with reading the Bible. This practice allows me to connect with God by knowing a bit more about who God is and how God operates. I don’t make it too difficult in terms of what I read or when. I think the best place to begin is in the Psalms and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Maybe try reading (or even listening on the Bible.com app) a psalm and a chapter of one of the Gospels each day as a way to begin?

After getting to know someone a little bit, I am more comfortable to share with them my life experience. In terms of my relationship with God this looks like prayer. Talking to God does not need to be complex. Share what you learned in reading the Scripture for the day and what it may mean to you and for you. That’s a great place to start. Also, make sure to share anything that you are concerned or happy about just like you would with a friend. This can happen at your dining room table or on the couch or even on your drive into work.

That’s it…the basis for any devotional life. Simply reading Scripture and praying. Again, let’s not make it too difficult of complex. In a few minutes a day you can begin developing a new and deeper relationship with God that will carry you through the rest of your day and you will find often gives you just what you need when you need it.