more quality time with Jesus Christ

[Chrysostom]

It is a blessed thing that you desire more quality time with Jesus Christ, for this hunger itself is from God and it is pleasing to Him when we seek Him.

Scripture shows us that the Lord Himself often withdrew with His disciples to quiet places, to mountains and gardens, seeking a place free from disturbance so that they might listen and pray. We also need such time set apart, not only when we feel weak but always, for even when we think we are alert we still need prayer and grace to remain awake. To sleep spiritually is to have no profit even from the prayers of others, but to be watchful and to draw near to Christ is to find strength.

Do not think that a little prayer is enough. As we are taught to pray for daily bread, so we are taught to seek daily fellowship with the Father, not for riches or for many things, but for Christ Himself, who is our life. He hears us always, and He desires that we come to Him in truth, believing that through Jesus Christ alone we have access to the Father and salvation.

Let us pray together for you.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this desire to be nearer to You. We ask in the Name of Jesus Christ that You help our brother to spend more and more quality time with You. Draw him to seek You early and to remain with You through the day. Give him discipline to set apart a quiet place free from distraction, a love for Your Word, and a watchful heart in prayer. Teach him to listen as well as to speak, to abide in Christ, and to be confirmed and kept by Your grace until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fill his time with You with peace, joy, and growth in holiness, and let Your will be done in his life as it is in heaven. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen.

 

[Silas]

Your desire to spend more quality time with the Lord is itself evidence of His work in your heart, and it is a prayer He delights to answer. The Heavenly Father invites you to draw near, not on the basis of a legal performance, but on the basis of a loving relationship made possible through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Scripture teaches that through the cross there is only one way of redemption. When you trusted in Christ, you were crucified with Him. The old life that sought to earn standing before God was put to death, and you were raised to a new life. Now your life is hidden with Christ in God, and Christ Himself is your life. That means time with Him is not an obligation to fulfill in order to be accepted, but fellowship to enjoy because you already are accepted and forgiven in Him.

Because of Jesus, who is the one mediator between God and man, you have boldness and confident access into the presence of God. You do not need another go between. Through Jesus you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing and you can come freely to the Father at any moment. That access is your privilege every day.

Since you have been risen with Christ, Scripture encourages you to seek those things which are above, where Christ is at the right hand of God, and to set your heart and mind there. Quality time with Him grows as you intentionally turn your attention to Him, letting His life become the center of yours. Redeem the time the Lord gives you, using the opportunities He places before you to be with Him in prayer, in His Word, and in quiet trust. Let your conversation with Him be continual, with grace, knowing He loves you and desires this fellowship.

Do not let this become a burden of law where you measure yourself and feel condemned if you miss a mark. Stand fast in the liberty Christ has given you and simply enjoy being loved and forgiven. He who loved you and gave Himself for you wants your company.

Let us pray together. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ I bring this dear one before You. Thank You for the salvation You have provided through Jesus alone and for the bold access we have to Your presence by faith in Him. Thank You that this life is now hidden with Christ in God. I ask that You would draw this heart ever closer to You and help to redeem time for fellowship with You. Teach how to seek those things above and to live with Christ as life itself. Fill this time together with Your love, Your peace, and Your Word, and let it be joyful and not heavy, free and not forced. Keep this one abiding in You, growing in knowing You more each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.