Tag Archives: Intimacy with God

Personal Holiness

LAY IT DOWN: A Plea for Radical Surrender

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Beloved brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of God: Lay it down! Lay down every hindrance, every weight, every sin that so easily entangles your soul! For what fellowship has light with darkness? What union has Christ with idols? The Spirit cries out within you — “Come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord, “and do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NASB). Let us lay it down for God and His glory.

Why do you cling to what profits you nothing? Why do you hold fast to that which weighs down your race toward the prize? The Lord of Glory has purchased you with His own blood; therefore, you are not your own. You have been bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20, NASB). Shall we then offer polluted sacrifices upon His altar — the remnants of divided affections, the spoiled fruit of worldly compromise? God forbid! He is a jealous God, burning with love for His people. He will not share His throne with another. Lay it down! Every secret idol, every hidden affection, every unclean thing must be cast away as dung if we are to know the surpassing riches of Christ. Truly, we must lay it down for God.

Hear me, beloved: the call to radical amputation is not cruelty; it is mercy. Our Lord said with holy fire, “If your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away… If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away” (Matthew 5:29-30, NASB). These are not the words of a harsh Master, but the plea of the Lover of your soul, warning you of the eternal ruin that unrepented sin brings. Sin must not merely be managed; it must be killed. It must be uprooted, severed, cast far from you, that you may be free to run the race set before you.

And I testify to you, not as one who speaks from theory, but as one who has walked this road. I found that my collection of rock and roll albums, though pleasing to the flesh, did not draw me closer to God but absorbed my time and dulled my spirit. Therefore, I gathered them — thousands of dollars’ worth of CDs — and I threw them away without regret, that my soul might be freed to worship El Elyon alone. I found that there was nothing Godly on Netflix; it was a net that caught my time and distracted my heart. I canceled it, counting it loss for the sake of gaining Christ. I found that I was watching too much news, filling my mind with the fears and troubles of the world instead of the Word of Life. So I exchanged those hours for time in the Scriptures, in prayer, and in the secret place with my God. I found that I was listening to audiobooks from Audible at night to fall asleep, but it fed my mind with many voices instead of drawing me into the presence of the Lord. So I laid them down as well, and now I fall asleep with worship music, my heart lifted up in praise to the Living God. Lay it down for God to work wonders in your life. And God is faithful — oh, He is faithful! — and He redeemed the time, and He drew me closer to Himself, deeper than I had ever known.

O saints of God, what are the idols of this present age that He is calling you to destroy? Sexual immorality, which prowls like a lion on every screen. Greed, cloaked as ambition. Pride, parading itself as self-importance. Bitterness, gnawing at the roots of your soul. Social media addictions, endless scrolling that drowns out the whisper of the Spirit. The love of pleasure more than the love of God. O saints, lay it down! Lay it down while there is yet time! Embrace the call to lay it down for God.

The Spirit is calling for a holy people, a pure Bride without spot or wrinkle. Shall we then trifle with that which nailed our Savior to the Cross? Shall we entertain what pierced His brow and ripped His flesh? God forbid! Let us rise up with the sword of the Spirit and slay every work of darkness that wages war against our soul. Let us run unburdened, with eyes fixed on Yeshua, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Lay it down — not with sorrow, but with songs of deliverance! Lay it down — not with fear, but with the boldness of a child returning home! For what awaits you is not loss but the fullness of Christ. He will pour His Spirit into the vessel emptied of self. He will clothe you in righteousness. He will crown you with His steadfast love. He will make your feet like hinds’ feet and set you on the heights of His glory! Lay it down for God, and receive His blessings.

I write to you as one who has suffered the loss of all things and counts them but rubbish, so that I may gain Christ. Therefore, beloved, lay it down! Lay it down, and rise up in the power of the Spirit! Lay it down, and behold the beauty of the Lord! Lay it down, and run with joy into the arms of the King!

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Yeshua Messiah (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NASB).

Amen and amen.

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Worship

Answer the Call

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A Lifestyle of Prayer and Worship

Beloved, hear the Spirit of God calling: return to the heart of true worship. Lay aside the noise of your busy days, silence the endless agendas, and come back to the one thing necessary—a lifestyle of prayer and worship.

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2 NASB). We were made for this—to magnify the Name above every name. O Church, we have become rich in resources but poor in reverence. We have mastered meetings and perfected programs, but we have forgotten the cry that touches heaven: worship that rises like incense, pure and unceasing.

A lifestyle of prayer and worship is not an event or a performance. It is a daily dwelling. It is a heart posture that says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” As we spend the week continually in prayer and worship, when we gather together, we explode into His presence because we have already been dwelling with Him all week. We do not come to start something—we come to overflow. We pray for what He wants us to pray. We seek to Honor Him. We seek His face, not His hand.

Jesus declared, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers” (John 4:23 NASB). The Father is seeking you. He is not looking for programs; He is searching for hearts ablaze with adoration. The prayer and worship of the saints is the fragrance that fills the throne room of heaven. It is written, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB)—this is not a burden, but the river of life flowing through every believer who longs for more of God.

O Spirit of God, come and awaken Your Bride! We cry like David, “One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4 NASB). Let every sigh, every word, every labor be soaked in worship. Let our lives be a continual offering, a sweet aroma rising before Your throne. To know God is to worship God. To love Him is to fall before Him with reverence and awe.

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29 NASB). Beloved, the time is short. The King is at the door. Will He find you living a lifestyle of prayer and worship? Will He find you pressing into His heart with relentless love?

Choose now. Answer the call. Cultivate the lifestyle of prayer and worship, and be made ready for His glory!

Seek the Lord while he may be found

What Does This Look Like in My Daily Walk?

A lifestyle of prayer and worship is not confined to the sanctuary; it invades every part of your life. It looks like starting your morning with whispered adoration before your feet hit the floor. It looks like letting songs of praise rise on your commute and speaking to God in the secret places of your heart during the busyness of your day. It is choosing to respond to trials with prayer instead of panic, lifting up the Name of Yeshua when you are tempted to complain. It is walking in constant awareness that God is near, God is holy, and God is worthy.

What Is the Next Step I Can Take to Draw Closer?

Begin by setting aside a daily time to seek His face—not His hand. Start small if needed, but be faithful. Open the Word and let it ignite your worship; pray aloud, even if your words are halting at first. Commit to keeping a spirit of prayer throughout the day, turning your thoughts often toward God, thanking Him, honoring Him, and crying “Abba!” from deep within. Join with others who hunger for more of Him, gathering not out of obligation but to overflow His presence together.

Today is the day to answer His call. Today is the day to live a true lifestyle of prayer and worship.

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The Pursuit

Walk Hand in Hand with God

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Beloved, you have set your heart to seek the Face of God, and I tell you now, He sees you. He who is from the beginning, who holds the stars in His hand, bends low to meet the one who longs for Him. The Holy One is not far from you. He is near, nearer than your own breath.

Do not be troubled by the pace of men. Do not measure yourself by the steps of the crowd. For the Lord of Glory calls you to walk with Him, not behind Him, not ahead of Him, but hand in hand, heart to heart.

The frustration you feel is not your failure; it is the stirring of His Spirit within you, pulling you closer to the fullness of life in Him. You are not forsaken. You are not cast off. You are being drawn into the secret place where the Lamb walks with His own.

The world may race ahead to build kingdoms of dust. The churches may lag behind in sluggishness and doubt. But you, beloved, fix your eyes upon His Face. Set your heart to know Him as Moses did, who cried out, “Show me Your glory!” and was hidden in the cleft of the rock. So now you are hidden in Yeshua, sheltered by the blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Be still, and do not fear the aching within you. It is a holy yearning. It is the mark of His hand upon your soul.

The God who called you is faithful. He will not leave you longing. He will reveal Himself to the pure in heart.

Therefore, walk hand in hand with God.
When He moves, move with Him.
When He waits, wait with Him.
When He weeps, weep with Him.
When He rejoices, dance before Him.

Do not turn aside to the right or the left. Stay close. Stay low. Stay hungry.

“You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB).

This is the promise of the Everlasting God. This is your inheritance.

Let nothing steal it from you.

Walk hand in hand with God, beloved. Walk hand in hand with God.

Prayer

Father,

I long to walk hand in hand with You. Not ahead, not behind — but close, steady, faithful. Teach me to match my steps with Yours. Tune my heart to Your heartbeat. Make me sensitive to Your movements and stillness alike.

When I grow restless, anchor me in Your peace. When I grow weary, lift me with Your strength. When I am tempted to run or lag behind, draw me back by the whisper of Your love.

I seek not the works of Your hand, but the light of Your Face. Let Your nearness be my portion, and Your presence my delight.

Lead me on the ancient path where Your footsteps still echo, and cause me to walk it with joy and trembling.

I am Yours, Lord.

Hand in hand with You, forever.

In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

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Worship

Worship Comes First

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” — Matthew 4:10 (NASB)

Children of the Most High, let your hearts be still before the weight of this command: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” It is not a suggestion. It is not a light instruction for the casual believer. This is the cry of Heaven—the heartbeat of the throne. God demands first our worship, then our work. He who fashioned us in the secret place calls us not to build, not to strive, not to labor first—but to bow, to behold, to burn with holy love.

This is Palm Sunday. The streets once filled with voices shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Palms waved. Cloaks fell to the dust. They worshiped with their words, but their hearts were far off. In a week’s time, the same crowd would cry, “Crucify Him.” They celebrated a King, but not a cross. They loved the moment, not the Man. They wanted victory, but not surrender. Worship that does not lead to obedience is only noise.

Yeshua, tempted in the wilderness, responded not with might or miracle, but with adoration: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Satan offered Him dominion without devotion, but our Savior would not trade intimacy with the Father for influence in the world. The Church must not either.

O beloved, how quickly we forget. A soul is stirred, and we say, “Now go! Preach, teach, build!” But God says, “Wait. Sit. Worship.” The disciples, even after walking with Yeshua, were not released to the nations until they tarried in Jerusalem. Not because they lacked knowledge, but because they lacked power. And not just power to work—but power to worship. Power to be undone in God’s presence. Power to love Him rightly.

The Holy Spirit did not fall in a marketplace. He descended upon worshipers in an upper room. Tongues of fire rested on heads bowed low. The power they received was not primarily for signs, but for surrender. Not first for proclamation, but for praise. God’s greatest works are born in the womb of worship.

Hear the truth plainly: A worker without worship becomes a performer. A servant without adoration becomes a slave. But the worshiper—he cannot help but serve. He is caught up in the beauty of God, and his hands move only in response to the heartbeat of Heaven.

This is why many burn out. This is why churches grow cold even as programs multiply. Because they have built altars to usefulness and forsaken the altar of awe. They labor without gazing. They produce without presence. But the Spirit of God will not bless what bypasses worship.

Let your soul be gripped by this: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” The order is divine. The pattern is perfect. The power flows from it.

Speechless in the Presence of God
Speechless in the Presence of God

When Moses met God on the mountain, he worshiped. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he was undone. When John, the beloved, beheld the risen Christ, he fell as though dead. Before they moved, they worshiped. Before they spoke, they trembled. Before they led, they adored.

Do not seek the assignment until you have seen His face. Do not run into the world with empty hands and distracted hearts. Let the fire fall first upon your altar. Let your soul be enraptured, admiring, adoring. Then, and only then, go.

For the work done by the worshiper carries eternity within it. It is not of man, but of God. It bears His fragrance, His power, His authority. The worshiper serves from overflow. His mission is an echo of Heaven. His labor, an act of love.

So return, child of God. Return to the secret place. Return to the feet of Yeshua. Lay down your tools. Set aside your ambitions. Lift your eyes. Worship comes first.

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Before the hands, let hearts arise,
To seek the flame that never dies.
No greater work than this I find—
To love the Lord with all my mind.

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Prayer

Holy Spirit, awaken me again to the glory of worship. I repent for running ahead without resting at Your feet. Draw me near to the altar, where the only fire that matters falls. Teach me to serve not out of striving, but out of surrender. Let my lips burn with praise before they speak of You. Let my heart be pierced before my hands are used. Restore to me the wonder, the awe, the holy fear that comes from seeing You rightly. Yeshua, You are worthy of all. My life is Yours—first in worship, then in service. In Your holy name, Amen.

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The Pursuit

Face to Face with God

The Friendship You Were Made For

“So the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” — Exodus 33:11, NASB

There is no higher calling than this: to walk in deep friendship with God. Not as a servant fearful of punishment, but as a friend who knows the heart of his King. In this sacred place, the soul awakens. The noise of the world fades. And the heart begins to burn—not for answers, but for the presence of El Shaddai Himself.

Talking with God face to face is not a poetic phrase. It is the invitation extended to every son and daughter of the Kingdom. Moses stood on holy ground not because of his greatness, but because of his desire. He longed to know God’s ways, not just His works. He dared to ask, “Show me Your glory,” and God drew near.

Beloved, God has not changed. He still meets face to face with those who seek Him, just as Moses experienced talking with God face to face.

In the age of noise and distraction, the Lord is calling His people back to the tent of meeting—back to the quiet place where friendship is kindled in the fire of His presence. The veil has been torn. The Spirit has come. Through the blood of Yeshua, we have been given access to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16, NASB).

But we must come.

The Spirit says, “Come closer. Linger. Don’t rush away. Don’t settle for shallow prayers or rehearsed devotion. Come to Me, and I will give you rest—not just rest from labor, but rest in communion.” Talking with God face to face truly begins when we stop performing and start beholding.

Let your prayers become conversations. Let your worship become wonder. As John the Apostle laid his head upon the chest of the Master, so must we lean in. God desires nearness. Not a moment. Not a meeting. A dwelling. He wants to make His home in you (John 14:23, NASB).

And when you do draw near, everything changes. You will hear His whisper in the chaos. You will sense His leading in the silence. You will carry His presence into your workplace, your home, your church. You will no longer live as one chasing God—but as one walking with Him.

This experience of talking face to face with God is not reserved for the elite. It is the birthright of the redeemed.

He calls you friend. Not from afar. Not with conditions. But with love that burns like fire and welcomes you into the holy.

So draw near. Turn aside from every lesser thing. Close the door. Still your heart. And speak—speak to the One who already knows you, and longs to be known by you.

Come. He is waiting.

Prayer

Abba, I want to walk with You like Moses did. I want to know You—not just Your words, but Your heart. Strip away every distraction and draw me into the quiet where I can hear Your voice. I choose to enter the secret place and stay until I am changed. Let me speak with You face to face, as Your friend. In Yeshua’s name, amen. And let me experience the joy of talking with God face to face.

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Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a Person

Do you truly know who the Holy Spirit is? If you’ve ever mistaken Him for a feeling, a force, or a sudden burst of energy, you’re not alone. Many believers are confused about the identity of the Holy Spirit. But today, let’s clear away the confusion and anchor our understanding in Scripture: the Holy Spirit is a Person.

“Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NASB). This simple yet sobering command carries weight. You can’t quench a force. You can’t grieve an emotion. But you can hurt, silence, or shut out a Person—and that’s exactly what we risk when we misunderstand or ignore the Holy Spirit.

Spell this out in your heart: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON. He is not enthusiasm. He is not courage. He is not the personification of goodness. The Holy Spirit is not an “it”—He is God. He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), speaks (Acts 13:2), loves (Romans 15:30), intercedes (Romans 8:26), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He knows. He feels. He leads.

Jesus spoke of the Spirit as “another Helper”—the Greek word Parakletos, meaning advocate or counselor—“that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16, NASB). The Son promised One like Himself, not a mere power surge from heaven. And just as we would never treat Yeshua as a nameless force, we must not reduce the Holy Spirit to an emotional experience or a vague sense of conviction.

To quench the Spirit is to resist His leading, to silence His voice, or to shut Him out of your daily decisions. Imagine Him as a guest in your home, present and willing to help, but ignored. Or worse—treated with suspicion and skepticism. Can a guest like that stay long? The Holy Spirit desires intimacy, not toleration. He seeks fellowship, not mere acknowledgment.

Paul writes, “Now we have received… the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NASB). You are not meant to walk in confusion, trying to “feel” your way through your faith. You are invited to commune with the Person of the Holy Spirit, to hear His voice, receive His comfort, and follow His direction.

This truth will change your walk: the Holy Spirit is not waiting for your perfection—He is waiting for your invitation. He is not fragile, but He is holy. He is not distant, but He will not force Himself into a life that will not listen. Don’t quench Him by busyness, by sin, or by doubt. Welcome Him.

Right now, stop and ask yourself: Am I treating the Holy Spirit like a Person? Do I listen for His voice? Do I make room for His presence? Do I respond when He convicts, prompts, or encourages?

The Holy Spirit is a Person. And He desires to walk with you, speak to you, and fill you with the life of God every day. He is not an “it” to be controlled. He is God to be worshiped, Friend to be loved, and Guide to be followed.

Prayer

Ruach HaKodesh, Holy Spirit of God, forgive me for treating You as less than who You are. I welcome You—not as a feeling, but as a Person. Speak to me. Lead me. Fill my life with Your presence and power. Teach me to walk in step with You and to never quench Your voice. I want deep, intimate fellowship with You. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Effective Prayer

How to Pray Aright: A Call to Earnest Prayer

Beloved, do you truly pray, or do you merely say words? Do the cries of your heart reach the ears of El Shaddai, or do your lips move without meaning? It is not enough to recite words; God listens to the cries of a soul that hungers for Him. To pray aright, one must have a heart fully invested in seeking God.

God hears the prayers of the sincere. If you pray out of duty or habit, without feeling your need for Him, your words are empty. It is as if you were speaking to the wind. The Almighty is moved by a heart that yearns for Him, a heart that recognizes its own need and humbles itself before His throne. As the Psalmist cried, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, NASB).

Let your prayers flow from the depths of your soul, not merely from your lips. Words without the heart fall to the ground unheard, but the cries of the humble pierce the heavens. It is written, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18, NASB). If you pray aright, you will avoid merely echoing words that fade away, never reaching His presence.

Do not approach God with empty phrases or rehearsed lines. Come to Him with honesty, humility, and longing. Pour out your heart before Him, for He knows your thoughts before you speak them. He is not impressed by eloquence but moved by brokenness. He desires truth in the inmost being.

If your heart feels cold or distant, ask Him to teach you to pray. Cry out, “Lord, teach me what I need and show me how to pray! Stir my heart to seek You earnestly. Do not let me speak to You without feeling what I say.” This is the prayer He hears—the prayer of one who longs for Him. To truly seek Him, we must learn to pray aright.

Seek the face of Yeshua with all your heart. Lay your burdens before Him, not just with words but with genuine faith and dependence. Let your prayer be like incense rising before His throne, carried by a heart that loves Him. Remember His promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB).

Do not be satisfied with shallow prayers. Press in, seek more of Him, and pour out your soul before El Shaddai. He hears the earnest cry. Do not be content with hollow religion or empty rituals. Seek an encounter with the living God, for He is near to those who truly seek Him.

Let this be your prayer:

Father, draw me nearer. I need You more than words can express.
Teach me to pray with a heart that truly seeks You.
Awaken my soul to cry out for Your presence.
Let my prayers be real, my words be true, and my heart be Yours.
I long for more of You and less of me.
In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

Beloved, Pray Aright. Seek Him earnestly. God is near to those who call on Him in truth.

Effective Prayer

Dwelling in the Secret Place: Abiding in Constant Communion with God

The Power of Abiding Prayer

Prayer is not just an event—it is a dwelling place. Too often, prayer is reduced to moments of need or routine ritual, but God invites you into continuous communion. He calls you to abide, not visit; to dwell, not depart.

The psalmist understood this mystery:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NASB)

The secret place is not a location—it is a posture of the heart. It is the inner sanctuary where you live in constant awareness of God’s presence, walking in uninterrupted fellowship with the Almighty. Will you choose to dwell, not just visit?

The Tabernacle’s Holy of Holies: A Picture of Dwelling in the Secret Place

In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle was designed with three sections:

  • The Outer Court, where sacrifices were made.
  • The Holy Place, where priests ministered daily.
  • The Holy of Holies, the most sacred place, where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.

Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). But when Yeshua died on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), granting every believer access to the Most Holy Place.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Yeshua, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh.” (Hebrews 10:19-20, NASB)

The secret place is now open. It is not just a place to visit—it is a dwelling for those who live in constant communion with God.

Why Dwelling in the Secret Place Changes Everything

1. The Secret Place Shields You from the Enemy’s Attacks

In the secret place, the enemy cannot reach you. Just as the Holy of Holies was guarded by the presence of God, so are those who dwell in Him. The secret place is a fortress of divine protection.

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7, NASB)

2. The Secret Place Cultivates Intimacy with God

Dwelling in the secret place is about relationship, not ritual. It is the place where you hear God’s voice, know His heart, and experience His love. True intimacy is born in constant communion.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, NASB)

3. The Secret Place Transforms Your Perspective and Faith

In the secret place, you see from Heaven’s perspective. When you abide under the shadow of the Almighty, you see battles already won, obstacles already removed, and victory already secured. Faith is birthed in the secret place.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NASB)

The Difference Between Dwelling and Visiting

  • Visiting is praying when in need; dwelling is living in constant communion.
  • Visiting sees prayer as a duty; dwelling sees prayer as a delight.
  • Visiting asks for God’s help; dwelling rests in God’s presence.
  • Visiting seeks a moment of peace; dwelling abides in perpetual protection and power.

Dwelling in the secret place is not about scheduling prayer times—it is about living in continuous awareness of God’s presence.

How to Dwell in the Secret Place

  • Create a sacred rhythm. Develop a daily habit of worship, prayer, and listening.
  • Practice God’s presence. Talk to God throughout the day, acknowledging His nearness.
  • Meditate on His Word. Let Scripture renew your mind and anchor your heart.
  • Guard your atmosphere. Avoid distractions that pull you out of communion.
  • Cultivate holy reverence. The secret place is sacred—honor His presence with awe.

A Call to Abide in Constant Communion

Are you visiting the secret place, or are you dwelling there? God does not call you to a one-time encounter—He invites you to abide under His shadow.

Will you make the secret place your home? Will you live in constant awareness of His presence? The door to the Holy of Holies is open—enter boldly, dwell deeply, and abide in constant communion with El Shaddai.

The secret place is waiting—will you live there?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the invitation to dwell in the secret place. I long to abide under Your shadow, to walk in constant communion with You. Teach me to live in Your presence, to hear Your voice, and to rest under Your protection. Let my heart be a sanctuary, and my life a continuous prayer. I choose to dwell, not visit. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

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Effective Prayer

Listening Prayer: Tuning Your Heart to God’s Voice

The Power of Silence in Prayer

Prayer is not just about speaking—it is about listening. Too often, prayer becomes a monologue rather than a conversation. Yet the most powerful prayers are not the ones filled with words, but the ones spoken in silence and surrender. God still speaks. The question is, are you listening?

Young Samuel heard God’s voice but did not recognize it at first:

“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10, NASB)

In that moment, Samuel’s life changed forever. He learned the power of listening prayer—a posture of the heart that says, “Your will, not mine. Your words, not my own.”

The Still Small Voice: A Picture of Listening Prayer

When the prophet Elijah was overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, he longed to hear from God. He sought the voice of El Shaddai, but it did not come in the ways he expected:

  • Not in the great wind that tore through the mountains.
  • Not in the earthquake that shook the ground.
  • Not in the fire that blazed fiercely.

God spoke in a whisper— a still small voice.

“After the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13, NASB)

God speaks in the whisper because He is close. You do not shout to someone who is near. Listening prayer is about drawing close to God, silencing the noise, and hearing the whisper of His heart.

Why Listening Prayer is Essential for Spiritual Growth

1. Listening Prayer Aligns You with God’s Will

When you listen, you surrender control. Instead of presenting a list of demands, you align your heart with God’s purpose. Listening prayer leads to obedience, not just petitions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NASB)

2. Listening Prayer Breaks Through Confusion and Doubt

God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). When you feel lost or uncertain, His voice brings clarity and peace. Listening prayer silences the chaos and tunes your heart to divine direction.

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21, NASB)

3. Listening Prayer Cultivates Intimacy with God

You cannot know someone without listening to them. Prayer is not just about receiving answers—it is about knowing the heart of the Father. Listening prayer builds intimacy.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, NASB)

How to Practice Listening Prayer

  • Be still and quiet your mind. Silence the noise and distractions.
  • Invite God to speak. Pray, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
  • Wait with expectation. God speaks to the heart—through His Word, impressions, and gentle whispers.
  • Discern and confirm. Compare what you hear with Scripture. God never contradicts His Word.
  • Obey what you hear. Listening without obedience leads to stagnation. Faith grows in action.

A Call to Listen Beyond the Noise

Are you weary of one-sided prayers? Do you long to hear God’s voice clearly? The whisper of God is waiting in the quiet.

Will you silence the noise? Will you tune your heart to His voice? God is speaking—are you listening?

Prayer

Father, teach me to be still and to listen. Remove the distractions that drown out Your voice. I long to hear Your whisper, to know Your heart, and to follow Your leading. I surrender my agenda, my worries, and my fears. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

See Also

Effective Prayer

The Heart of Prayer: Encountering God in Prayer, Not Just His Hand

Why Seeking God’s Presence Matters in Prayer

You were created for intimate fellowship with God. Prayer is not just about asking for blessings—it’s about encountering El Shaddai, the Almighty One. Too often, prayer turns into a list of demands rather than a pursuit of His presence. But the most powerful, life-changing prayers are those that focus on encountering God in prayer to seek His presence, not just what He can give.

Yeshua taught this when He said:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9, NASB)

Before asking for anything, prayer should begin with worship. When you prioritize God’s presence, your faith grows, your burdens lighten, and your spirit aligns with His will.

Why Encountering God in Prayer Changes Everything

From the beginning, God’s desire has been fellowship. In Genesis 3:8, He walked with Adam in the garden. He longs for the same closeness with you today.

Moses understood this. Though he witnessed miracles, his greatest desire was more of God. He prayed:

“Now then, if I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You.” (Exodus 33:13, NASB)

Do you pray like this? Or have your prayers become focused on solutions rather than encountering God in prayer?

Prayer Is About Relationship, Not Just Requests

When you truly seek God’s presence in prayer, everything changes:

  • Fear turns to faith. When you focus on Him, worry loses its grip.
  • Peace fills your heart. His presence is greater than any storm.
  • Your desires align with His. Instead of asking for your will, you long for His.

David declared:

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.”(Psalm 27:4, NASB)

One thing. Not wealth, not comfort, not success—just God.

The Power of Encountering God’s Presence

Want to experience deeper, more powerful prayer? Make seeking God’s presence your priority. Embrace the journey and commit to encountering God in prayer day by day.

  1. Begin with Worship – Lift your voice in praise. Thank Him for who He is before asking for anything.
  2. Pray for More of Him – Like Moses, ask God to reveal His ways so you can know Him more.
  3. Be Still Before Him – Silence the distractions. Listen for His voice. Prayer is a two-way conversation.
  4. Desire God Above All Else – Say with David, “One thing I ask… to dwell in Your presence.”
tamarisk tree

Prayer is not just about the present moment—it is about establishing a lasting foundation in God’s presence. When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, he wasn’t just marking land; he was declaring trust in El Olam, the Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). The tamarisk tree grows slowly, requiring deep roots and endurance—just like an effective prayer life. When you seek God’s presence rather than just His hand, you plant something that will outlast your immediate needs. Your prayers today are not just for now; they are seeds for future encounters with God, shaping your faith for years to come.Will you press deeper, building a prayer life that stands the test of time?

How to Encounter God in Prayer

Prayer is not a formula. It is the lifeline of your relationship with God. The most powerful prayer is not one that demands miracles but one that says, “Lord, I just want You.” Encountering God in prayer will transform your prayer life.

Will you seek Him today? Will you return to the secret place, not for what He can do, but just to be with Him?

Prayer

Abba Father, forgive me for seeking Your hand before seeking Your face. You alone are what my soul longs for. Teach me to pray like Moses, to desire to know You more than anything else. Let my heart burn for Your presence, to gaze upon Your beauty, and to walk in deep communion with You. Draw me closer, Lord. I want You—more of You and less of me. In the name of Yeshua, I pray. Amen.

See Also