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7 Ways to Nurture Your Desire for God

by | 71 comments

I’ve been reflecting on spiritual disciplines, practices, and activities that nurture my desire for God and make my love for God come alive.

Here are 7 ways to increase your spiritual hunger today:

1. Spend time in Scripture.

Something about spending time in God’s Word just makes me want to know more of the character, attributes, presence and power of God.

2. Carve out twenty minutes of unbroken silence.

I have a theory that for some people silence comes easier; for other people, stillness comes easier. If I try to sit still, I’m easily distracted. But silence comes more naturally. When I enter into a time of silence with God and allow my mind to be drawn to who he is, my desire for God grows.

3. Listen to stories of how God is at work in someone else’s life.

Stories of God moving, healing, revealing, providing, strengthening, speaking, and showing himself spark my faith and make me want more and more.

4. Fast.

Even fasting a single meal helps me center my thoughts and mind more on  my need for God.

5. Ask for the desire you don’t have.

Sometimes I don’t want God. I don’t have any longing, not even the faintest whim. That’s when I pray, “God, I want to want you.” What’s amazing is that God soon answers this prayer with another glimpse of himself.

6. Take a hike. (No, really!)

Being in creation draws my heart and mind to the creator. Nature is ablaze with reminders of God’s power, sovereignty, provision, goodness, tender care, and so much more. The more I experience expressions of God the more I want to experience him.

7. Be faithful in prayer.

I still keep a prayer list at the back of my Bible as a reminder of God’s faithfulness that I started years ago. Many of the prayers on the list are immeasurable (aka: praying for political leaders) or haven’t been answered in the way I’d hoped, but in others I see God’s power displayed. Such answered prayer makes me want to pray all the more-and increases my appetite for God.

How do you nurture your desire for God? What would you add to the list?

71 Comments

  1. Lorna
    Lorna on June 14, 2012 at 9:17 am

    I go to the bookstore.

    One can learn a lot about what’s going on in the world just by looking at the titles of the books on display.

    It also gives chance for the Holy Spirit to stir something in my heart that I need to learn about or read. This happens a lot. I see a book, not knowing I need to read it, buy it, read it, and wow – it’s amazing how God works!

    It also allows my mind to visualize what to pray for; whether it be the teenagers reading the paranormal books or the wife reading or attempting to read those books that will bring disaster to her marriage.

    I find that while strolling through a bookstore I am at the most peaceful state of mind – not focused on my problems or stressful things – but looking outward toward the world.

    {It can also be a downfall as I have a bookshelf full of books “to read”.}

    ~Lorna

  2. margaret
    margaret on June 14, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Lorna,
    I never thought about this before–the bookstore as a place to nurture a desire for God. But it’s chockfull of ideas and images and reflections and people. Makes perfect sense. And as a writer, it’s a place close to my heart :).

  3. Anissa
    Anissa on June 15, 2012 at 9:58 am

    “Top of the Mornin’ To Ya!”

    When we Tithe to the Lord we joyfully give to GOD first. Traditionally we think of tithing money, but what if we also tithed time? The very first moment we awake from our slumber each morning, even before our feet hit the floor, before the demands of the day take over, What if we gave GOD the Top of the Morning? What if we gave the Lord the [first] of our time? It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal, just a simple Good Morning GOD. I am looking forward to spending the day with You. Just set a few minutes aside for the Lord each morning, so we can get to know Him better. I have called these first moments of my day, “Top of the Mornin’ To Ya”. When I do this my day is blessed, even if it becomes challenging I have know that with GOD together we will get through this. There is a peace in the storm when Christ is with you, and you can be blessed in a mess. <3 Anissa

  4. Nikki
    Nikki on June 15, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    I’m asking Him to uncover all the pollution that is in my heart. I’m excited about the adventure that He is going to take us on!

  5. Jennifer
    Jennifer on June 15, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Since God is essential is doesn’t seem logical that seeking him would make me feel uncomfortable, but it does. It’s a paradox. I am uncomfortable because I feel like a failure. I feel that I don’t seek God enough. I, like you, “find myself tempted to live a distracted life.” I thirst and hunger to know God, but eat and run. Which isn’t nourishing me at all, only wetting my appetite.

  6. Brad
    Brad on June 15, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    Recently God showed me the importance of quite time. In a total random act Kent, a friend of mine, and a man of faith sent me a book that has impacted my life in the most un-expected way. “The Organic God” by Margaret Feinberg has served as a study guide. I have learned so much, and have enjoyed my quite time as I read a chapter a day. I actually turn off the TV in the morning and get into the word and into this reading. That means I only watch one episode of Sports Center. If that is not God at work I don’t know what is. Shawn wondered if I had a fever the first day I did that.

    I don’t want to close this note. I want to leave this open much like what God wants us to do. He wants us to be open to His guidance, His voice, His thoughts, and His peace. How has God been active in my life in the past few months? He has opened me up to new experiences and opportunities. As Margaret Feinberg says in “The Organic God” ”God’s presence in my life is like the glacier in that He is constantly pressing down, re-landscaping and renovating the very core of who I am”

  7. margaret
    margaret on June 15, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Encouraged to hear how God is moving, leading, nudging, guiding. Thanks everyone for chiming in! Look forward to hearing from more of you!

  8. Nickole Huffman
    Nickole Huffman on June 15, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Holy Yoga (specifically ‘child’s pose’ facedown in worship. 🙂

  9. Margaret
    Margaret on June 15, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    Nickole,
    Big smile!

  10. Diane
    Diane on June 17, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    I take time out to thank Him, no matter what is happening in my life, or how I am feeling. Taking time to think about and thank Him for all that He has done for me (and others) only boosts my belief in how great, loving and caring He is! It also boosts my trust in Him. Choosing to offer a thankful heart to Him makes me so much more aware of how ever present He is in my life (and others’ lives)everyday. Just being thankful for green grass and a blue sky or a cool summer rain makes me sense how awesome He is! With every prayer of thanks, I want to be closer to Him.

    By the way, I love “The Organic God” and “The Sacred Echo”. I have read both books twice and have been through “The Organic God” study once. 🙂

  11. Margaret
    Margaret on June 17, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    Diane,
    Love that–give thanks in all things.

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