We are made for more. Deep down, we know it.
Even as Christians, there’s often something missing—a hunger that can’t be met by casual church involvement and a prayer life that lasts only minutes a day.
While God rewards every second of time that we spend with Him, He desires—and He made us to desire—a closer, more intimate relationship with Him. Hear the words of Jesus:
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me (John 15:4, NKJV).
There’s no substitute for knowing our Father and His Son, and spending time in His presence. Jesus actually said that doing this is eternal life (John 17:3)!
The Lord also promised to give us abundant life (John 10:10), and commanded us to abide in Him in order to bear fruit (John 15:5), yet many of us question what that is and what it looks like.
Our culture knows little about abiding. In our distracted world, with constant demands on our time, thanks to buzzing phones, pop-up messages and constant chatter, it can be hard to pull away.
“Come Away with Me”
As opposed to this, a deep, intimate life with God is both counter-cultural and deeply satisfying. There’s something about coming away and spending a season of time learning a new rhythm of life that can yield lasting benefits—fruit that will remain, both internally, externally and eternally.
Oftentimes, when we leave our routines and daily distractions, life comes into focus. We see what’s really important, what we can and can’t live without, and find the time to do the one thing Jesus said was necessary—sitting at His feet to hear His Word:
{Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Then tell her to help me.”
Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed. And Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her” (Luke 10:39-42, MEV).
This type of intimacy doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a deliberate choice, a consecration, a decision to set apart time and energy for a special purpose.
Consecrate a Season
At marriage, couples typically go on a honeymoon, a romantic time to be with each other and cement their relationship. It’s a sacred time, best left undistracted by other people and concerns.
Some of us need to have that sort of time with the Lord. Our God Himself desires that we would be with Him, and He’s willing to open doors no man can shut to make this possible, according to our heart’s desire (see Ps. 37:4).
There are things we need and things He wants to give us that are hard to get amidst the distractions of daily life.
Sometimes we have a calling in God, or need breakthrough in a certain area or just hunger to get out of our current routine in the spiritual and natural. These can all be good reasons to consider taking time to be devoted more exclusively to seeking the Lord. It might involve moving physically to train with a ministry that is pursuing Jesus in this way and to learn from those who have gone before on this path.
Take time to listen to the Lord, and step out boldly when He calls. Our God promises: “You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).
If you desire a consecrated season with the Lord to grow in prayer and intimacy with Jesus, we recommend the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Spend three or six months in daily prayer, biblical teaching, and fellowship with like-minded believers in a community of 24/7 prayer. Intro to IHOPKC is open to singles, couples, and families with children. Learn more »
How would you benefit from a special season of seeking the Lord? {eoa}
A Detroit native who was raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Adam Wittenberg worked as a newspaper journalist until 2012, when he moved to Kansas City to complete the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Afterwards, he earned a four-year certificate in House of Prayer Leadership from IHOPU and is now on full-time staff in the marketing department at International House of Prayer Kansas City. Adam is also active in evangelism and has a vision to reach people everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.
This article originally appeared at ihopkc.org.
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