“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8a NIV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
Just as electrical outlets provide constant access to electrical energy and power, prayer transforms our lives by giving us constant access to God. Prayer is the connection point between our everyday moments and God’s infinite strength — but like plugging into a power source, it requires an intentional choice. God’s power is always present and available, but we must draw near — and “plug in” through prayer and relationship. Let’s Seek Him and explore what it truly means to connect with God, our Source of Life, through prayer.
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
James 4:8 gives both an invitation and a promise: God desires nearness with His people, and He responds when we move toward Him. Our God is not distant or disinterested; He welcomes us to be close. Scripture tells us that drawing near doesn’t have to be complicated; we just have to come to Him, by faith. ~ When have you experienced God’s nearness in your life? What sometimes makes it difficult for you to draw near to Him? How does this verse encourage you about the way God responds when you choose to come close?
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
All our electronics—cell phones, computers, televisions—have to be plugged into a power source to keep working. In the same way, we must stay “plugged in” to God to experience His power, presence and peace in our lives. The Bible promises, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NIV). It reassures us that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:12-13). These promises show us that prayer isn’t just a lifeline—it’s a lifestyle, just as essential as recharging our phones. ~ What happens when your phone stays unplugged? How does your spiritual life feel when you’re drained or distant from the Lord? Why does it matter to stay connected to God even when (or *especially* when) life feels busy or overwhelming?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
God invites us to live constantly connected to Him—not just sending up desperate prayers in emergencies, but building a relationship through everyday, ongoing conversation. Staying spiritually “plugged in” doesn’t require perfect words, long sentences, or a specific posture; it simply requires a heart that continually turns toward Him throughout our days—and even in the middle of the night. Drawing close to God is about intimacy, connection and real relationship with Him. ~ What are simple ways you can come near to God during your day? How might staying “plugged in” through prayer change the way you respond to today’s challenges? What are some new habits that can help you be close to the Lord?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
Scripture says, “God is the strength of my heart… As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (Psalm 73:26b,28). If this is true of our lives, then it will change how we talk to God as well as how we talk to others. In everyday life, people often ask, “Do you have a charger I can borrow?” They have the device—but they need a connection. Spiritually, the same is true. People all around us—and especially those entrusted to us—are searching for a way to plug into something real. When God is our strength and we stay close to Him, our lives testify to where true power comes from. We can’t plug others in ourselves, but we can intentionally show them how we draw near to the Lord, gently guiding them to plug in to Him, too.
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THE PLUGGED IN PRAYER LIFE // Teach Us To Pray!
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