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Relational Habits Part 2

We’ve been speaking about some relational habits that help me lead a devoted life. Spending time in God’s word and spending time in conversation with God through prayer are some of the relational principles we can put in place to grow in our relationship with God. 

Why do I say relational principles? 

Let’s use me and my husband as an example. We’re married. We have the document, I have a new Identity document, we wear rings, we have a whole bunch of photos to prove that we’re married. But even though we’re already married, we still have certain relational principles that help build and nurture the relationship between us. We organize coffee dates with each other, we have date nights, we set out specific times where we can intentionally connect. You see, we didn’t stop being intentional with each other the day after we got married. We still pursue relationship with each other. And I can feel when one day goes by where we don’t really connect with each other, something feels off. 

It’s the same with God – when I enter into a relationship with God it doesn’t just end with my salvation. For the rest of my life, I keep on devoting myself to Him through daily relational principles. There’s this old song that many of us know, but it still rings true today: 

“Read your bible, pray every day – and you will grow, grow, grow.” 

Setting out time daily to read God’s word and to pray is crucial to building that relationship with God. And remember – it’s because of love and relationship, not duty. Because I love my husband I spend time with him every day. Because I love God I spend time with Him every day. 

Jesus says in Matthew 5: 5 – 8:

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Here Jesus is saying that empty phrases don’t work. Praying to be noticed doesn’t work. Instead, He invites all of us to approach our Father and speak with Him out of relationship. 

Psalm 1: 1 – 3 says:

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Here the Psalmist is saying that those who meditate on God’s day and night are noticeably joyful! 

We all know this to be true.  The things that matter most to us, the things we value above all other things, somehow we find time for those things daily. I devote myself to the things I love. I love the things I devote myself to. 

This does not mean that God loves me less when I don’t pray or read His word every day. But it does mean I’m missing out on a wonderful opportunity to grow and experience His love for me. 

I am a very practical person. So, for me, a daily rhythm works really well. I’m also very much a morning person, so I know spending time in God’s word and prayer is most attainable for me early in the mornings. 

What do you need to do practically to help you connect to God’s word and prayer every day?    

• Should you just wake up half an hour earlier?   
• Do you need an easier translation to read from? 

I want to encourage you to ask yourself this. Take that first step that will lead and guide you for the rest of your life. Devoting yourself to a religious system is too hard. Devoting yourself to a Person will last a lifetime. 

“Read your bible. Pray every day. And you will grow.”