How do I grow closer to God?
You love God, but you feel distant. Maybe it’s been weeks since you really prayed. You want more, but you don’t know where to start.
“Come near to God, and He will come near to you” (James 4:8). Growing closer to God is like any close relationship: it grows with time, honesty and attention. The basics are simple: talk to Him (prayer), listen to Him (His Word), worship Him, obey what He shows you, and stay connected to His people. In plain words: you don’t need a perfect routine. You need to show up every day, even for ten minutes, and keep showing up.
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Mary sat at His feet
Jesus came to the home of Martha and Mary. Martha rushed around getting everything ready. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Martha complained, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38–42). Martha was busy for Jesus. Mary was with Jesus.
A simple daily rhythm
1. Same time, same place: start with ten minutes in the morning before your phone.
2. Read: one chapter of a Gospel. Start with John.
3. Pray: thank Him, tell Him what’s on your heart, ask for what you need, and listen.
4. Respond: what is one thing He’s showing you to do today? Do it.
5. Keep talking to Him through the day: in the car, at work, before bed (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
What pulls us away
Busyness, distraction, sin we haven’t dealt with, and isolation. Turn off notifications during your time with God. Confess what’s between you and Him. Join a small group or Table, because faith grows faster with other people.
What the Bible says
- 01
Come near to God.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8 - 02
Mary chose the good portion.
“As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.””
Luke 10:38–42 - 03
Remain in Me.
“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4–5 - 04
Delight in His Word.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.”
Psalm 1:1–3 - 05
Seek Me with all your heart.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 - 06
Jesus prayed early.
“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place to pray.”
Mark 1:35
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Tomorrow morning, before your phone, read John 1 and pray for five minutes. Then do it again the next day.
Common questions
Why do I feel far from God?
Sometimes it is sin, distraction or exhaustion. Sometimes God is growing your trust. Either way, keep coming near. He hasn’t moved.
How long should I pray?
There is no set time. Start small and honest. Ten real minutes beats an hour you dread.
Does going to church make me closer to God?
Gathering with believers matters (Hebrews 10:24–25), but closeness comes from your own daily walk with Him too.
Read it with a guide.
Become’s study Bible explains every chapter in plain language, with a reading plan that starts in John and walks you through the whole story, in your language.