How to Dine with the Word: Spending Intimate Time with Jesus in God's Love

In our busy lives, it can be challenging to carve out moments for intimacy in our relationship with Jesus. Distractions are everywhere, making it easy to let our spiritual lives take a backseat. Yet, making time to dine with Jesus is crucial for nurturing our faith and finding joy, peace, and fulfillment. Here, I will share practical ways to cultivate that intimacy and explore the powerful depths of God's love.

Creating a Sacred Space

To begin spending intimate time with Jesus, it’s essential to create a space dedicated to connecting with Him. This sacred area doesn’t require much; it just needs to be comfortable and calm. For instance, you might choose a cozy nook in your home, a peaceful spot in a nearby park, or a favorite chair where you feel at ease. This space is your personal retreat from the world's chaos.

Having a designated area helps to mentally prepare for your time with Jesus. I often include a journal, my Bible, and comforting items like a candle or a meaningful devotional book. The presence of these items serves as a reminder that each moment here is special and worthy of attention.

Prioritizing Time

The next step is to set aside specific times for your interactions with Jesus. Consistency is crucial, and scheduling these moments like appointments can help. Whether it’s early morning, during lunch breaks, or just before bed, I find it effective to mark these times on my calendar.

Treating time with God as a priority makes it easier to fit in amid life's many demands. Personally, I enjoy mornings for this, as they offer an opportunity for a fresh start each day, filled with energy and a focus on God's love.

Engaging with Scripture

Once I settle into my sacred space, I dive into the Word of God. Engaging with Scripture is a direct way to connect with Jesus, who is described as the Word (John 1:1). I take my Bible and read passages that resonate deeply. For example, focusing on Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of the peace of God, encourages me to reflect on my worries and trust in His promises.

To enrich this experience, I ask reflective questions such as:

• What does this passage tell me about God's character?

• How can I apply the message of this Scripture to my life?

• What lesson does God want me to embrace through this reading?

  
  

While pondering these questions, I jot down insights in my journal. This practice helps solidify my understanding and deepens my relationship with Jesus, bringing me closer to the essence of His love.

Dining With The Word

Buy Now

Close-up view of an open Bible highlighting the Word of God

Incorporating Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of my time with Jesus. After engaging with Scripture, I naturally transition into a time of prayer. Sharing my thoughts, worries, gratitude, and praise creates a two-way conversation with God.

In my prayers, I often reflect on God's love for me and for those around me. This practice helps me feel connected to something much greater than myself and inspires me to extend that love to others. Additionally, I incorporate moments of silence into my prayer time to listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit, allowing me to hear God’s gentle whispers.

Embracing Gratitude

Incorporating gratitude into my intimate time with Jesus has been life-changing. I take a moment to write down everything I'm thankful for, recognizing even the small blessings in my life. Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve overall well-being by up to 25%. This act opens my heart to receive more of God’s love and fosters contentment, even during tough times.

By acknowledging daily blessings, I remind myself of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Gratitude becomes not just a practice but a heart posture that helps me see His love working in my life.

Reflecting and Journaling

After spending time in prayer and Scripture, I often reflect and jot down my thoughts. Journaling is a powerful tool for processing my spiritual journey. Writing about my feelings, questions, or what I believe God is communicating to me makes my time with Jesus much more tangible.

I also use my journal to capture moments of experiencing God’s love throughout the day. Each entry serves as a living testimony of His goodness and faithfulness, encouraging me to keep pursuing that intimacy.

Eye-level view of a candle and journal symbolizing reflection and prayer

Extending the Experience

Connecting with Jesus doesn’t have to be limited to a specific location or set time. I find it enriching to carry that connection into my everyday activities. Cooking dinner, commuting, or engaging in conversations are even more meaningful when I remain aware of His presence.

Incorporating worship music into my daily routine, joining a small group, or simply talking to Jesus throughout the day keeps that intimacy alive. These practices deepen my awareness of God's love and foster an ongoing dialogue with Him.

A Journey of Intimacy

Dining with the Word is a beautiful journey that allows us to spend intimate time with Jesus in God’s love. By creating a sacred space, dedicating time, engaging with Scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and journaling, we can deepen our relationship with Jesus and experience profound fulfillment.

Remember, intimacy with God is a continuous journey that requires our committed effort. I hope you too discover the joy that comes from nurturing this relationship, leading to a life filled with His love, grace, and purpose. By making time to connect with Jesus, we open ourselves to the richness He desires to share, nourishing our spirits in our everyday lives.