Theme : “The Place of Prayer and Communion in Intimacy with God”
Main Texts:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DYLzH7w7PaF7t5XEBM9zya
Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
INTRODUCTION
Intimacy with God is the heartbeat of the Christian life. It is not measured by how much we do for God, but by how much time we spend with God. At the center of this intimacy are prayer and communion. These are not religious rituals but life-giving avenues of divine relationship.
If Jesus—God in the flesh—often withdrew to pray, then how much more should we? Prayer and communion are not just spiritual disciplines; they are lifelines to the presence, power, and voice of God.
I. UNDERSTANDING PRAYER AND COMMUNION
1. What is Prayer?
Prayer is communication with God.
It is a two-way conversation: we speak, and we listen.
It is both personal and corporate, but intimacy is cultivated mostly in the secret place (Matthew 6:6).
2. What is Communion (Koinonia)?
Greek: Koinonia means fellowship, participation, and sharing.
Communion is intimate fellowship with the Spirit of God, not limited to the Lord’s Supper.
It includes walking with God, sharing thoughts, worshipping, and abiding in His presence.
II. THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN INTIMACY
A. Jesus as Our Model (Luke 5:16)
Despite the demands of ministry, Jesus prioritized withdrawing to pray.
Intimacy is not built in the crowd but in the secret place.
B. Private Prayer Builds Public Power (Matthew 6:6)
God meets us in the secret place.
The reward of private prayer is not just answers—it is Himself.
C. Prayer Deepens Relationship
Just like human relationships grow through consistent, sincere conversations, so does our relationship with God.
Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you…”
III. THE ROLE OF COMMUNION IN INTIMACY
A. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Communion allows us to know God's heart, not just His hand.
B. Communion Through the Word
God speaks most clearly through His Word.
John 15:7 – “If you abide in me and my words abide in you…”
C. Communion Through Worship
Worship is not a song; it’s a posture.
Psalm 22:3 – “God inhabits the praises of His people.”
IV. PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEVELOP INTIMACY THROUGH PRAYER & COMMUNION
1. Create Time for the Secret Place (Matt 6:6)
Schedule time daily to be alone with God.
Protect that time from distractions.
2. Use a Prayer Pattern
Start with thanksgiving.
Pray the Word.
Intercede for others.
Listen—let silence create space for God to speak.
3. Journal and Meditate
Write what you receive in prayer.
Meditate on scriptures and divine impressions.
4. Fast Regularly
Fasting silences the flesh and amplifies your spiritual sensitivity.
V. BENEFITS OF INTIMACY WITH GOD
1. Clarity of direction – You hear God more clearly.
2. Transformation – You become more like Him.
3. Spiritual authority – Power comes from presence.
4. Rest for the soul – Intimacy brings peace.
5. Divine friendship – God shares secrets with His friends (John 15:15).
CONCLUSION
Prayer and communion are not optional extras—they are essentials for anyone who desires a living, breathing relationship with God. The secret place is where you are strengthened, transformed, and aligned with God’s heart.
Let us return to the secret place. Let us rebuild our altars of fellowship and rekindle the fire of intimacy. God is not seeking powerful people—He is seeking intimate people.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, rekindle my desire for prayer and communion.
2. Father, draw me back to the secret place and keep me there.
3. Holy Spirit, teach me how to fellowship with You deeply.
4. Break every distraction that keeps me from true intimacy.
5. Let my life be a resting place for Your presence.
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