How to Cultivate Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God
The deepest gift of following Jesus isn’t information, certainty, or answers. Its relationship; a real, ongoing, ever-deepening life with God. This is why, as a community, we seek to spend at least 30 minutes each day in meditative prayer. Not as a rule to keep, but as a rhythm that creates space for us to notice God’s presence and respond to it.
Below are a few ways we encourage you to cultivate intimacy with God, along with some resources we have gathered to support you along the way.
Practice cards
These printed cards are designed to gently guide you through a handful of historic and life-giving practices, including Lectio Divina, the Daily Examen, Suggested Prayers, Fasting, and Sabbath. We use printed cards intentionally because they help us step away from the noise and distractions that so often come with phones and screens. These cards are available as a free resource to anyone who attends our gatherings.
Lectio Divina is an ancient way of praying with scripture, inviting us to listen slowly and attentively for God’s voice. The Daily Examen helps us reflect on our day, noticing where we sensed God’s presence and where we may have missed it. The Suggested Prayers card includes the Our Father Prayer, the Jesus Prayer, and the Trinity Prayer. These are simple, time-tested prayers with beautiful language that help us give voice to our longings, gratitude, and trust in God.
The Fasting and Sabbath cards explore why these practices matter for followers of Jesus and offer practical guidance for engaging them with wisdom and grace. All five cards are available at our welcome table at the back of the sanctuary.
Sabbath
Sabbath is God’s gift of rest, a prophetic and countercultural way of living that resists hurry, productivity, and constant demand. In a world that rarely stops, sabbath invites us to slow down and remember that our lives are held by God, not by our output.
We encourage unplugging from technology, clearing space in your schedule, and allowing the day to unfold at a gentler pace with God. Begin with whatever amount of time you can set aside, and over time, consider growing that into a full 24-hour period devoted to rest, delight, and attentiveness to God’s presence.
For a deeper exploration of what sabbath is and how to practice it, we invite you to read this sabbath resource.
Other Resources
Alongside the practice cards and a sabbath rhythm, there are many other ways to deepen your life with God through the resources on our site, social channels, and through participation within our community at Halifax Church.
