Drawing �Near �to God

Pastor Tammy Long

James 4:8a,

Psalms 16:11

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Nine Sacred Pathways

Drawing �Near �to God

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Naturalist’s Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me be outdoors!

Naturalists feel closest to God in creation.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Naturalists

• Read your Bible and pray outdoors.
• Meditate on the greatness of creation.

(God’s power, abundance, variety, care)

• Go for a walk or hike with God.
• Find a restorative spot and simply be with God as a companion.
• Bring nature indoors.
• Be aware God is present and draw near.

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Sensate’s Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me experience!

Sensates feel closest to God through their senses.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Sensates

• Sing or play an instrument to draw near.
• Listen to an audio Bible or beautiful music.
• Memorize scripture by putting it to music.
• Use incense during prayer or Bible reading.
• Use a prayer cloth, beads or prayer object.
• Vary prayer postures or do body prayer.
• Act out scripture; dance.
• Meditate on beautiful art, draw, color.
• Be aware of God’s presence when you say grace and eat slowly.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Traditionalist’s Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me remember.

Traditionalists feel closest to God through rituals, symbols and tradition.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Traditionalists

• Establish a scripture rhythm reading a Psalm each morning and each night.
• Explore the richness of the Christian calendar – Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost.
• Set a daily pattern for a prayer schedule
• Establish a regular time and place to meet God each day
• Consider symbols such as art, jewelry, stickers that help you draw near to God.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Ascetics Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me be alone.

Ascetics feel closest to God through solitude and simplicity.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Ascetics

• Unplug from technology
• Create a clutter-free space to meet God
• Be silent for a period of time
• Fast from food or a pleasure
• Simplify or cut back in an area of your life
• Rise earlier to pray in the quiet hours
• Go on a retreat for a few hours or days
• Drive, walk or run in silence and draw near to God

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Contemplative Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me feel.

Contemplatives feel closest to God through adoration.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Contemplatives

• Explore a variety ways to pray
• Read, recite, pray the Psalms
• Practice the presence of God
• Read the gospels, visualize and enter the story as a loved disciple of Jesus
• Create spaces and times to draw away from the day-to-day to be with God
• Engage in secret acts of devotion
• Sing love songs to God and draw near

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Intellectual Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me think.

Intellectuals feel closest to God when they are learning something new about God.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Intellectuals

• Attend a class or study
• Read, listen to audio books, podcasts
• Journal or keep a notebook and talk to God about what you are learning about him
• Teach a class
• Write to refine and deepen your thoughts
• Join a small group where you can process ideas and draw near to God in community

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Activist Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me confront.

Activists feel closest to God when they are standing alongside Him in battle.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Activists

• Pray about injustices you are passionate about, listen for God’s direction
• Do a neighborhood prayer walk or drive
• Notice what stirs for you as you watch the news talk to God for how to respond
• Volunteer for a justice focused organization
• Pray through scriptures related to justice
• Coordinate justice initiatives to invite and draw near to God as his presence guides.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Caregiver Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me care.

Caregivers feel closest to God when they are loving and caring for others.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Caregivers

• Visit a hospital or senior center
• Spend time with a shut in
• Serve at ABODE or Bread of Life Giving
• Volunteer with one of our church P.E.A.C.E. initiatives
• Volunteer/Support Genesis our church CDC
• Mentor/tutor a student

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Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

The Enthusiast Pathway

Drawing �Near �to God

Let me celebrate!

Enthusiasts feel closest to God through celebratory worship and mystery.

Connecting with God Growing Together Changing the World

Drawing Near to God

Drawing �Near �to God

Suggestions for Enthusiasts

• Celebrate the goodness of God with dance, music, or singing (Loud)
• Keep a prayers list and note God’s answers.
• Write down your dreams and consider whether God is speaking.
• Cultivate the mystery of expectancy.
• Seek God and then step out in faith.
• Share with an accountability partner and draw near to God in community.

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