SPEAKER_00: Let's start our time together reflecting on God's desire for relationship with us.
SPEAKER_00: The creator of the universe, all-knowing, love personified, and yet his greatest desire is to know you, to talk to you just as you are.
SPEAKER_00: Prayer is not about perfect words, it's about proximity.
SPEAKER_00: God invites you close, just as you are, without pretense or performance.
SPEAKER_00: When you draw near, he responds with his presence.
SPEAKER_00: James 4.8 says, Come near to God and He will come near to you.
SPEAKER_00: Take a moment and thank God that He hears our prayers and desires to have a relationship with us.
SPEAKER_00: As you thank Him, let your own heart be encouraged by this reminder to yourself.
SPEAKER_00: Take the extra few seconds to be intentional with your words and invite him in to specific needs or doubts.
SPEAKER_00: Ask him to remove distractions and help you grow closer to him.
SPEAKER_00: Don't rush through silence.
SPEAKER_00: Take another deep breath and let your mind be quiet, listening for his voice and prompting.
SPEAKER_00: Repeat after me.
SPEAKER_00: Father, thank you for drawing near to us as we draw near to you.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.