WHAT DOES SPIRITUAL GROWTH LOOK LIKE?

                                                    PATRIOT ODUNARO BABATUNDE JIMOH

 Healthy relationships require hard work, good habits, and time spent together. That’s why becoming spiritually mature involves drawing near to God every day.

Below are five prayers that focus on different pathways toward intimacy with God. As you read through them, pick one area to focus on this week, and allow God to transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

        i.            i. A prayer for living generously

     ii.            ii. A prayer for rest

  iii.            iii. A prayer for reading god’s word

  iv.            iv. A prayer for serving

     v.            v. A prayer for talking with god

 A PRAYER FOR LIVING GENEROUSLY

God, Without You, I have nothing. Every good and perfect gift comes from You—but sometimes, I view the gifts You have given me as something I deserve. Sometimes I am tempted to hoard my wealth, time, and resources instead of sharing them with others. Ultimately, I know that I am blessed to be a blessing—so please help me wisely steward the gifts You have entrusted to me. Turn me into someone who lives—and gives—generously allahumo kunfayakun amin.

A PRAYER FOR REST

God, In a world that glorifies business, it is so easy to fill my time with things that don’t matter. If I am not careful, I numb out or burn out because I don’t create enough space to rest in Your presence each day. I need You to change the way I think and the way I live. I need You to help me make space for rest. Help me come to You daily—I want to simply be with You allahumo kunfayakun amin.

A PRAYER FOR READING GOD’S WORD

God, Thank You for showing me the paths that lead to life. I am so grateful that I can experience joy in Your presence forever! Help me to live in a manner that is worthy of the calling to which You have called me by spending time in Your Word. I never want to forget that having access to Scripture is a gift. So please make me eager to read Your words. Reveal Your will to me as I spend time in Your presence. Teach me Your word, which is truth  allahumo kunfayakun amin.

A PRAYER FOR SERVING

God, You are so kind to me. And when You gave up Your only Son to save me, You provided me with an example of humble obedience. Thank You for showing me what servant leadership should look like. Instead of seeking my own way, help me to seek Yours. I want to serve You by serving others. So change my heart and help me love others genuinely allahumo kunfayakun amin.

A PRAYER FOR TALKING WITH GOD

God, Sometimes I don’t feel like I have the words to pray. I don’t always know what to say to You. What do I say to someone who is perfect in every way? Please help me remember that You want to hear from me. Give me the confidence to speak what is on my heart with You, but help me to do so with respect. And please let these honest conversations lead me to a deeper sense of awe, wonder, and love for You. Show me how to talk with You, and then make me eager to do it regularly allahumo kunfayakun amin.