How to Build a Deeper Walk with Jesus Christ our Lord Through Prayer and God's Word
Our Closer Walk with Our Lord
Building a Better Walk with Jesus Christ our Lord Through Prayer and the Bible: A Complete Guide with Scripture
Walking with Jesus is not a one-time event - it’s a daily, growing relationship. Like any relationship, it deepens with communication and shared time. In the Christian life, that means prayer and the Word of God.
But how do we actually draw closer to Jesus in a real, consistent way? What steps can we take to make sure our walk is not just religious motion, but a genuine connection with the living Christ?
Let’s explore some foundational and practical steps - rooted in Scripture - to help you grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the Bible.
Step 1: Begin with a Heart of Surrender
Before we open our Bibles or kneel to pray, we begin with the heart.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
Closeness with Jesus starts not with routine, but with a desire to seek Him. God is not distant - He promises to draw near when we do.
A surrendered heart says:
“Lord, I need You.”
“I want to know You more than just about You.”
“Change me through this time with You.”
Reflective Verse:
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
COMMENTS:
I think that there is a reason Christ tells us to “be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. He knew that if we did not stop we could be on the move 24/7 - 365 days a year and never stop. By never stopping we are never preparing ourselves and our hearts to be ready to listen to and receive what Christ has for us in our devotional time with Him.
Step 2: Read the Bible as a Conversation with Christ
The Bible is not just a book - it is God’s living Word (Hebrews 4:12). When you open Scripture, you're not just learning about God - you are hearing from Him.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Here’s how to make Bible reading more relational and impactful:
1. Pray before you read
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you:
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” – Psalm 119:18
2. Read slowly and thoughtfully
Start with a manageable portion - like a psalm, a parable of Jesus, or a chapter in John or Romans. Don’t rush.
COMMENTS:
Somewhere, it was mentioned to me that it would be better to prayerfully and patiently contemplate a word, phrase, or sentence from the Bible. As apposed to rushing through an entire section or chapter and completely missing the message He has for you.
3. Ask questions
What is God revealing about Himself?
What does this show me about Jesus?
How should I respond?
4. Apply it
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
A living relationship with Jesus means we respond to His Word, not just study it.
Step 3: Develop a Life of Honest Prayer
Prayer is more than a ritual - it’s talking with God, like a child with a loving Father. You don't need fancy words - just honesty and humility.
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Jesus prayed constantly. He often withdrew to lonely places to be with the Father (Luke 5:16). If He, being perfect, needed prayer, how much more do we?
What can you pray about?
Everything.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Types of prayer:
Adoration – Worship Him for who He is (Psalm 100:4)
Confession – Be honest about your sins (1 John 1:9)
Thanksgiving – Thank Him for His blessings (Colossians 3:17)
Supplication – Bring your needs and the needs of others (Matthew 7:7)
You can also pray using Scripture - turning verses into personal prayers.
Step 4: Walk in Obedience and Daily Dependence
Knowing Jesus involves trusting and obeying Him, not just feeling close emotionally.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
Obedience isn’t legalism. It’s love in action. The more you obey, the more intimacy you experience with Christ.
COMMENTS:
By beholding we become changed. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime, however, through prayer and asking for forgiveness we can allow the Holy Spirit to start transforming our character today, to be more like His.
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (ESV)
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Practical ways to obey:
Forgive others (Matthew 6:14)
Love your enemies (Luke 6:27)
Be generous and kind (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Share your faith (Matthew 28:19–20)
Step 5: Abide in Him Daily
Abiding means remaining connected. It’s not a one-time prayer - it’s staying in Christ’s presence throughout your day.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself… neither can you, unless you abide in me.” – John 15:4
Ways to abide:
Begin and end your day with God
Keep prayer going in your heart throughout your routine
Memorize Scripture so it stays with you
Invite Him into your decisions and emotions
Step 6: Stay in Fellowship with Other Believers
Your walk with Christ is personal, but not private. God uses the community of believers to encourage, correct, and strengthen us.
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some.” – Hebrews 10:24–25
Whether it’s a church, a Bible study, or a prayer group - stay connected to other Christians. We grow better together.
COMMENTS:
While our connection with other believers will not save us. Only through Jesus Christ can we be saved. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV) The connection with other like minded loving God fearing Christians can definitely encourage us along the path on our journey to develop a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior!
Step 7: Keep Coming Back to the Cross
Everything begins and ends at the cross of Jesus Christ. When you fail, when you feel distant, when you're unsure what to pray - look again to His love poured out for you.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Let the gospel be the center of your life, not just the start of your journey. The more you reflect on His grace, the more your heart will be drawn to Him.
COMMENTS:
By Beholding our Savior Jesus Christ we become changed. If we are spending enough time with Him, we cannot help but experience His life giving power to transform our lives to be more like His character.
Bible Verses Summary List (for reference)
Drawing near to God - James 4:8
Seeking with all your heart - Jeremiah 29:13
God’s Word is Living - Hebrews 4:12
All Scripture is God - Breathed - 2 Timothy 3:16
Open my eyes to your Word - Psalm 119:18
Doers of the Word - James 1:22
Pray Without Ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Do not be Anxious - Philippians 4:6
Confess and be Forgiven - 1 John 1:9
If you love Me, obey Me - John 14:15
Abide in Me - John 15:4
Stir up one Another - Hebrews 10:24-25
Christ Died for Us - Romans 5:8
Final Encouragement
If you're asking, “How can I get closer to Jesus?”, that’s already a sign the Spirit is working in your heart. He wants you near.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take one step at a time:
Open your Bible tomorrow morning.
Say a simple, honest prayer.
Join a small group or church.
Obey one thing God is showing you today.
Jesus isn’t looking for perfection - He’s looking for your pursuit.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
COMMENTS:
Remember, that your walk and journey with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is Not a Race. All of us will find a different way to pray, and a different way to read the Bible. Fast or slow, it really does not matter as long as we are Learning, Growing, and Building a Stronger Relationship with Our Lord!