HOW TO DEEPEN THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE

How to Deepen the Devotional Life?

At the beginning of your day, whatever time that may be best for your schedule, you should find some
place where you can be alone. First of all offer a short prayer for the guidance for the Holy Spirit, that you will be
directed in your relationship with God.
Then study something about the Life of Christ, focusing on Jesus, and placing yourself in the picture with
Him. After you have pondered the passage for the day, you should pray a longer prayer, telling God about what
you have read. This gives a freshness to each days prayer life and keeps it from becoming routine, simply
repeating certain set phrases. After talking to God about what you have read, you add whatever petitions you feel
inclined to bring, both for yourself and for others. When you have finished your speech, you should slow down
and wait. You should continue in the attitude of prayer, waiting to see whether God wants to communicate
something back to you. I believe God speaks to us through our mind. At times you will be aware of it, at other
times not. But if you stay on your knees and allow God to impress your mind, you will discover that at times He
has special messages for you, insights into spiritual truth or convictions of His plans for you for the day.
-To Know God by Morris Venden

What is Devotion? Devotion is an earnest attachment to a person or a cause

Concerning Enoch Wecannotbeconstantlyon ourknees,butwe canbeupliftingourheartsto God. This is the way

that Enoch walked with God. Testimonies vol.5 p.596

He bids us come apart and commune with Him. "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Many,
even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great
haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment
within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher.
With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn
the secret of strength. Theymustgivethemselvestimetothink, topray,to waitupon Godfor arenewal of
physical, mental, and spiritual power
. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be
quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.
Not a pause for a moment in His presence, butpersonalcontactwithChrist,tositdownincompanionshipwith Him-this is our need. Education pg 260,261

We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait
before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Desires of Ages pg 363.

While we arewaitingandlistening,ourheartsareimpressibleandHisSpiritisabletomakeimpressionsuponour hearts,

bring His word to our minds, refresh our memories, and impart new thoughts to us .
Such communion helps us to sense that we are in His very presence while in prayer, and also that we live in His
presence always. BeinginHispresencelessensthedesiretosin. The Christians Experience Julius White pg
52,53.

What does silence in prayer do for our hearts? The Bible uses text such as Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I
am God" or Psalms 62:5 "My soul, wait thou in silence for God only" A.R.V or Isaiah 30:15 "For thus saith the Lord
GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your
strength: and ye would not."Remember in the gospel of Luke when it says "that menoughtalways to pray and not
to faint" what was that verse really trying to tell us along with the context of the publican and the Pharisee there
was something for us to learn about prayer let's look at Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them
that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall: Buttheythatwait upon the LORD shall renewtheirstrength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and notfaint.

The Importance of Reading and Fixing Scripture in memory:

David says Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee Psalms 119:11
But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole
Bible through and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied
until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than
the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible
with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fixthetextsinyourmemory. Even while you are walking the streets you
may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind.

We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of Scripture are
indeed too plain to be misunderstood, but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface to be seen
at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful reflection.
And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface
of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure find truths of the greatest
value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the hear t,

will be as streams flowing from the fountain of life. Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before
opening its pages we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. Steps to Christ pg.62
( 89 91 original pagination)

The Adversarys Hatred of Prayer and Reading Scripture

Satan well knows that all whom He can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the scriptures, will be
overcomes by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind (GC pg 519)
Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the
right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest
supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. (Steps to Christ pg 65)
At the sound of fervent prayer Satans whole host trembles. (Messages to Young People p.53)
Satan knows better than Gods people the power that they can have over him when their strength is in Christ
(Messages to Young People pg.51)
Practical Questions to ponder?
Let us ask ourselves a question do we really picture Jesus as a friend and also as Lord but not just Saviorif so
why do we seek to do all the talking while in prayer? or Why is it that most of the times all of our prayers are only
for answers by asking for things no time really to say thank you for the smallest to the most important things in
our lives? Or why is it we find His love letter so boring do we really view the Bible as God's love letter that has
power in it to change the lives of does who come into friendship with Him? Another question is Do we seek Him
first in every decision and do we seek for Him to be well pleased in every aspect of our lives? Or do we just want
his salvation just to get to heaven while He is only in control of certain areas of my life? Can we truly look Him in
the eye then and say we know Him as Lord?

Thoughts for Meditation

Witnessing first is foremost is telling other's what your greatest Friend has done in my life and is presently doing in
your life from daily experiences testifying of His goodness. . .Prayer, Bible Study, Worship and Witnessing are the
ABCD's of the Christian walk however they are the means to an end not an ends to the means. The four of these
which are elements of our devotional life cannot save us, to depend on our devotional lives to save us is not
biblical. One day we may be feeling up the other down but our acquaintance with Christ is not based on feeling
but on faith. Our salvation is in Our Lord and Savior and Friend Jesus Christ our devotional lives which consist of
the means of prayer, bible study, worship in the sanctuary and witnessing can only place us in the position where
Christ can reveal His loving kindness to us so that our heart's and lives can be changed.

Moreover these four ABCD's are important because they are the means through which Job can say in Job 22:21
"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." Acquainting ourselves with
Christ takes time. . .Take time to meditate in and on nature there are so many tokens of his love speaking all day
long to our hearts. . .Ask the Lord for the desire to seek moments alone with Him during the day 5 minutes to an
hour just to meditate and memorize a passage of scripture, or even to think about the matchless love of Our
Savior etc. . . Or whatever He desires for your heart to come in contact with His presence amidst the maddenning
rush whether on a college campus, at work places, back in our individual homes we need time just to allow you
mind to ascend to heaven in our classes or in our cars or even when eating in the cafeteria. . .Oh how we need our
Father every moment every hour but we don't have to stay on our knees or in our rooms or in the hills somewhere
heaven is simply a prayer away by simply allowing our minds to rise in prayer to Our Father. . .
Training the mind to rise above noise in various setting is not easy but the more diligence the more easy it will
become and precious will be the experience. Steps to Christ pg.68 Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of
the soul with God, so that life from God flows into your life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to
God.pg 69 Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere.
We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the
flower turns to the sun.
Steps to Christ pg 69 There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is
nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in
the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did
Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we
are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come
and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul. Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we
need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure
imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Thosewhose
hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and
will have constant communion with heaven
. We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller
comprehension of the value of eternal realities.
WHY DO WE LACK POWER? - "Heaven is not closed against the fervent prayers of the righteous. Elijah was a man
subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord heard and in a most striking manner answered his petitions. The
only reason for our lack of power with God is to be found in ourselves. If the inner life of many who profess the
truth were presented before them, they would not claim to be Christians. They are not growing in grace. A hurried
prayer is offered now and then, but there is no real communion with God. We must be much in prayer if
we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed.
How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove.
Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of
weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Nowthe dayofGod isnearerthan
whenwefirstbelieved,andweshouldbemoreearnest,morezealous, andferventthaninthoseearlydays. Our perils are
greater now than then. Soulsaremorehardened. Weneednowto beimbuedwiththespiritofChrist, and weshouldnot
restuntilwereceiveit. Testimonies vol 5 pg 161,162

THE IMPORTANCE OF SECRET PRAYER AND THE STUDY OF GOD'S WORD -Bewarehowyouneglect secretprayer and
astudyofGod'sword. These are your weapons against him who is striving to hinder your progress heavenward. The
first neglect of prayer and Bible study makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to
the Spirit's pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the conscience
seared. On the other hand, every resistance of temptation makes resistance more easy. Every denial of self makes
self-denial easier. Every victory gained prepares the way for a fresh victory. Each resistance of temptation, each
self-denial, each triumph over sin, is a seed sown unto eternal life. Every unselfish action gives new strength to
spirituality. No one can try to be like Christ without growing more noble and more true. Messages to Young
People pg 96.97

Those who are really seeking for communion withGodwillbeseenintheprayermeeting, faithful to do

their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of
placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven. Weshouldprayinthefamilycircle, and
above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to
flourish while prayer is neglected.
Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye
of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer - hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of
such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet
fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in
secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart. By calm, simple faith the soul holds
communion with God and gathers to itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the conflict with
Satan. God is our tower of strength. Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be
often uplifted to God. I t was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense
before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. (Steps to Christ
68,69)
HOW DO YOU WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION?
If you will go to work as Christ designs that His disciples shall, and win souls for Him, you will feel the need of a
deeper experience and a greater knowledge in divine things, and will hunger and thirst after righteousness. You
will plead with God, and yourfaithwillbestrengthened, and your soul will drink deeper drafts atthewellof
salvation. Encountering opposition and trials will drive you to the Bible and prayer. You will grow in grace and the
knowledge of Christ, and will develop a rich experience. The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth,
stability, and Christlikelovelinesstothecharacter, and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations
are elevated. There is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will grow and
will become strong to work for God. They will have (1)clearspiritual perceptions, (2) asteady, growingfaith, and an
(3)increasedpowerinprayer. The Spirit of God, moving upon their spirit, calls forth the sacred harmonies of the
soul in answer to the divine touch. Those who thus devote themselves tounselfisheffort forthegoodofothersare
most surely workingouttheirownsalvation. Steps to Christ pg 54,55 chp. THE WORK AND THE LIFE

6
A Plea for a moment to moment Walk with God
Desire of Ages pg 324 Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects
of self-love,self-indulgence,andtemptationtosin. Wemayleaveoffmanybadhabits, for the time we may part
company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him
moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual
communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.
Simple Steps to growth in a right relationship with Christ (P.S This is not the only way this lists reflects a few
means of growing in Christ that have helped others)
1. Ask God every morning to increase your faith in Him and give thanks for His loving patience toward you.
2. Confess that you are not as close in acquaintance with Him as you desire to be. Remember Prayer is the
opening of the heart to God as a friend. Steps to Christ pg.64 He knows and understands and is waiting for us
to come and reason together with Him Isaiah 1:18
3. Pray for a daily revelation of Jesus Christ and the presence of Holy Spirit to lead your life just for this day and lay
all your plans at Christ feet. Also to pray for His Spirit to help you keep your heart open to His heart throughout
the whole day and not just in the morning.
4. Pray for Complete Honesty with His Heart for He cannot help but deal truly with yours but only you can confess
for yourself with the aid of His Spirit.
5. Each day ask for the renewing of a new heart and a deeper experience with His Love for you and for others.
6. Claim this promise Jeremiah 24:7 And I will give them a heart to know me. Because our natural hearts desire
nothing to do with anything that pertains to God so prayer for a stronger desire for reading scripture and
spiritual books is a daily request. So many of us if we are more honest with God and tell Him we really dont
want to read or prayer and instead ask for a renewed desire would gain more than trying to work ourselves up
to seek communion with God.
7. Create a lists daily of names for intercessory prayer.
8. Fix scripture into memory to combat the enemy of our souls Satan and his temptations. Furthermore God also
often speaks back to us through His word and memorization of Gods promises will provide strength for our
Christian walk.
WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK - I've often heard people say, " I tried the devotional life, and it doesn't work." And
I've asked, 'How long did you try it?" "Three days" Why, we do not expect our human relationships to grow that
fast! How can we expect our human friendships to grow that fast! How can we expect our friendship with God to
mature in such a short time? So the only conclusion you can come to is that if you determine that from now on
you will spend a quiet time alone with God day by day, and if you will continue to do this until Jesus comes again,
you will come to know Him, whom to know is life eternal John 17:3. Do you want to know God? Take time, alone,
at the beginning of each day, to seek Jesus through His Word and through prayer. And you will become acquainted
with the best Friend you'll ever know. - TO KNOW GOD by Morris Venden pg. 60

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