Just Pray- Get Closer to God


" Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. "

- Jeremiah 29:12 (NRSV)

Welcome to my newsletter!

Hello Reader,

I'm so glad you're here! Thank you for taking the time to make God's Word a part of your life; you won't regret it.

Praying should be a simple task, and it is; all you have to do is "show up" and talk to God.

While some may overlook prayer in our fast-paced world, it's worth remembering that even unanswered prayers can hold meaningful lessons, enriching our journey and deepening our connection to hope and purpose.

Praying is the one way to open our minds and hearts to God.

Regardless of whether we are experiencing good times or bad, we should include Him through thanks, praise, and worship.

Like a good habit, it must be present in our daily lives.

It's easy to get caught up in the course of the day's routine. Before you know it, the day is over, but have you included God in it?

How many emails were sent out? Text answered? Phone calls made? But did you find time to have the most important conversation you could ever have?

The one with your creator and savior.

Today, let's go back in time to the Old Testament and learn something from a prophet named Jeremiah.

When things were going bad for the Israelites, he had the best advice out there... pray.

A Little History...

Jeremiah wrote this as part of a letter to the Israelites in exile in Babylon around 597 B.C. They had been taken from their homeland as punishment for turning away from God, and many felt hopeless.

In Jeremiah 29, God reassures them that their exile will last 70 years, but He has not abandoned them. Jeremiah 29:11 is the famous promise of hope and a future, and verse 12 follows as an invitation

God tells them that when they call on Him, pray, and seek Him, He will listen and be found.

How to Apply It To Your Life...

Pray with Confidence

  • God hears us when we call on Him, even in tough times.
  • We don’t have to feel distant—He invites us to come to Him anytime.

🔹 Application: Start each day with a simple, heartfelt prayer, knowing that God is listening.

Seek God in Difficult Seasons

  • The Israelites were in exile, yet God promised to hear them when they sought Him out.
  • No matter our struggles, we can turn to God for strength and direction.

🔹 Application: When facing challenges, instead of worrying, pray first and trust God’s timing.

Build a Habit of Prayer

  • God wants a relationship, not just occasional prayers in crisis.
  • Making time to talk with Him daily strengthens our faith and connection.

🔹 Application: Set aside dedicated prayer time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes.

Let's Pray Together...

Dear Father,

I want prayer to be at the center of my life, not just something I fit in when I have time. Guide me to make it a priority so my days revolve around You—not the other way around.

Help me carve out moments to talk with You, to thank You, to praise You, and to grow in the relationship You’ve had with me since the very beginning.

Let prayer be my personal, one-on-one time with You, a constant source of strength and connection.

Amen.

Let's Sum It All Up...

Even in difficult times, God hears our prayers and remains faithful.

When we turn to Him with sincere hearts, He responds with love and guidance.

Make a positive impact today, whether for yourself or someone else.

Take a moment to pray. Give it a try!

Find a quiet place, take some deep breaths, and invite God to the conversation.

You don't need to memorize sayings; just be yourself.

Trust me, it will change your life. You'll get closer to God.

Keep praying out there.

Quentin

Quentin Schappa

Discipleship Bible Coach

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getclosertoGod

I'm Quentin and I guide individuals in deepening their relationship with God. By growing in spiritual maturity, and incorporating disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and scripture study into their daily lives, they can not only find their true purpose, but face the challenges of everyday life. Subscribe now to get the Closer to God Newsletter.

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