10 Ways to Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God
It doesn’t take long for a new follower of Jesus to know that if they want to get to know God, they will need to spend time with Him. At first, this might show up by going to church each Sunday. This is often where many of us begin our walk with God. Our desire for closeness or intimacy with Jesus eventually brings us to develop a regular quiet time or routine where we spend time with Him individually.
Looking back at this part of my relationship with God, this was a big step in my walk. It took a lot of dedication and practice to get to the point where I consistently showed up each day. I recall trying to find the right time, location, type of study, format, etc. I had no experience with this at the time, so I experimented a lot to see what worked for me.
Through this process, I made many mistakes. I occasionally missed this time or failed to show up for various reasons. After much trial and error, I found a routine I could stick to. I found great satisfaction in the fact that after many failures, I finally figured it out, or so I thought.
After several years of consistently reading the Bible and praying, I often wondered if this was it. Did I finally do it? Did I crack the code? Was this all I should expect from this routine? When I didn’t sense God’s presence, I wondered what I got wrong. If I go through a season without hearing from God, it makes me wonder and ask questions. I would ask God for forgiveness, thinking I might have disobeyed God and that my disobedience possibly hindered our relationship.
I’ve been actively attending church for much of my life. After twenty or more years as an adult, I thought I had the basics figured out. Early in my adult life, God would seem to speak to me at times with a clarity that blew my mind. It was as if that particular worship set (the music) and the message were explicitly created with me in mind. It was as if they knew my story, struggles, and circumstances down to the smallest detail.
Other times, I wondered why I didn’t connect with God while attending church. Maybe the speaker’s message was good, but I didn’t genuinely feel connected as I had many times before. Over time, this caused me to ask questions. Some messages addressed how our disobedience often causes a disconnect between us and God. Seeking to connect with God, I would pray and ask God for forgiveness for any sin that might be getting between us.
Thinking about these two different but related scenarios, something clicked. While I believe particular messages or songs resonate with us more than others, I began to see the role I could play in connecting with God.
Preparing our hearts to connect with God is essential for a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.
10 Ways to Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God:
1. Engage in Worship
Worship—whether through music, words, or expressed gratitude—realigns our hearts to honor God. It helps us shift our focus from worldly concerns to God’s never-changing character. We must realize worship isn’t just singing; it’s a posture of surrender and awe.
There’s nothing quite like worship when it comes to aligning my heart with God’s will. Something about music softens my heart, preparing it for whatever God has for me. It is quick, efficient, and effective in transforming my heart from self-centered, anxious, or stubborn to receptive.
While I highly prefer to gather with other believers at church, the next best thing for me is a playlist on my phone. We can easily press play on our favorite playlist or open YouTube. The options for great worship music have never been more convenient. Within a few minutes, I can go from overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious to a heart full of praise for God.
While singing or listening to music is not the only way to worship, it is my favorite. Other options include speaking words of praise and acknowledging who God is. Another great choice is to write down why you’re thankful for God’s presence. Whatever your preference, worship is one of the quickest ways to transform your focus and prepare your heart to hear from God.
Why does worship prepare our hearts?
Worship reminds us of God’s greatness, helping us release our worries.
It has the potential to stir our faith and expectancy in our spirit.
I find it often shifts my focus from myself to an awareness of God’s presence.
What are Practical Ways to Engage in Worship?
Create a playlist on your phone or YouTube with songs that help you connect with God.
Create a note on your phone with words of praise that acknowledge who God is.
Write down reasons you are thankful for God’s presence in your life.
2. Seek God Through Prayer
Often, I need help changing my focus. Another one of my favorite methods for connecting with God is through prayer. I have found that I often need to start with a prayer of surrender, asking God to soften my heart and remove any distractions. It’s also important that we confess sins and ask for a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Last but certainly not least, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into God’s presence.
How Does Prayer Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, helping us align our hearts with His.
When we intentionally pray, we invite God to be present and active in our lives.
I have seen how prayer shifts my focus from my problems to God’s power. It humbles me and helps me acknowledge my need for Him.
It effectively removes distractions as I express what’s on my heart.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Use Prayer to Help Us Connect With God?
I like to begin with gratitude and adoration. This is an excellent way to shift my focus from my current situation to God’s goodness and character.
Confess any sins, clearing barriers between us and God.
I often ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in my time with God.
It’s crucial to figure out what works best for you. Hopefully, these suggestions will get you thinking about what might work best for you.
3. Read and Meditate on Scripture
I have realized that preparing my heart to connect with God is more about changing my heart’s posture. Living in a broken world can cause us to guard or even close ourselves off to protect ourselves. I often have to do something to open my heart to whatever God might want to share with me. I find it helpful to begin by asking God to speak through His Word. Another good technique is to meditate on Scripture, allowing it to shape your thoughts and emotions (Joshua 1:8).
It’s important to remind ourselves that the Bible is God’s living Word—it’s alive and active. Reading it is a great way to prepare our hearts to hear His voice and transform our thinking.
Why Does Scripture Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
Scripture reveals God’s heart and helps us align our thoughts with His truth.
It strengthens our faith and provides wisdom for life’s struggles.
Meditating on God’s promises brings peace and assurance.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Use the Bible to Connect With God?
An important step is to begin with an open heart. Start by asking God to speak through His Word.
I find it helpful to reflect on a verse, repeat it, and ask how it applies to my life.
A new favorite of mine is to write down any insights in my journal app and describe what they might mean or how they impact my relationship with God.
4. Practice Silence and Solitude
Have you ever noticed just how noisy our lives have become? The blessings of a connected world also come with some drawbacks. One major drawback is that many people today find it difficult to experience silence. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to take time to be quiet before the Lord.
Do your best to remove distractions so you can listen to His voice. Take time to be still, which helps us tune into His presence.
Why Silence and Solitude Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
It quiets distractions so we can focus on God. It allows us to listen instead of just speaking to God. It fosters deep intimacy, where we can simply “be” with Him.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Utilize Silence and Solitude?
Set aside time daily to sit in silence before God.
Take deep breaths, releasing worries with each exhale.
Listen for any promptings or impressions from the Holy Spirit.
5. Examine Your Heart
We do not like to think about it, but our hearts often hinder our connection with God. Jeremiah 17:9 NLT says, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” If that’s not enough, Matthew 15:19 NLT says, “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” It’s no wonder our hearts often get in the way when connecting with God.
Knowing this, it is essential to ask God to reveal any areas of pride, unforgiveness, or distractions that may hinder connection. Surrender your burdens to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Self-reflection is key to removing any barriers that keep us distant from God.
How Does Examining Our Hearts Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
Unrepentant sin or unforgiveness can hinder connection with God.
It helps us surrender pride and let God work in us.
It brings spiritual clarity, helping us grow.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Utilize Reflection to Remove Barriers?
Ask God to reveal anything in your heart that needs attention (Psalm 139:23-24).
Repent and release any burdens to Him.
Forgive others and seek reconciliation where needed.
6. Cultivate Gratitude
As we have discovered, many things can get in the way of connecting with God. One of the most important factors is our perspective on the world and our concerns. That’s why we give thanks for God’s blessings and faithfulness. Gratitude shifts focus from worries to His provision and love.
Thankfulness shifts our mindset from lack to abundance, helping us see God’s goodness.
Why Does Cultivating Gratitude Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
Gratitude fosters joy and deepens our awareness of God’s presence.
It helps combat worry and fear with trust in God’s faithfulness.
It cultivates contentment, drawing us closer to Him.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude?
Start a gratitude journal, listing daily blessings.
Thank God in prayer before bringing requests.
Reframe challenges by looking for how God is working through them.
7. Fast or Set Aside Time for Spiritual Renewal
Fasting and setting aside intentional time for God are powerful ways to prepare our hearts to connect with Him. They help us remove distractions, deepen our dependence on God, and renew our spiritual hunger. Dedicated time spent seeking God can help us quiet distractions long enough to hear from God.
Fasting isn’t just about food; it’s about removing distractions and focusing on God.
Why or How Does Setting Aside Time for God and Fasting Prepare Our Hearts?
It deepens our dependence on God rather than worldly comforts.
It clears space for greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
It renews spiritual hunger and passion for God.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Fasting and Spiritual Renewal?
Choose something to fast from (food, social media, entertainment).
Use the time you’d typically spend on that activity to pray and read Scripture.
Ask God to reveal deeper truths during your fast.
8. Fellowship with Other Believers
In today’s culture, there is so much that pulls us apart from connecting with others. It takes intentional effort to engage in a Christian community for encouragement and accountability. We easily forget just how powerful it is to pray with others and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. We must make the effort to spend time with other Christians as it encourages spiritual growth and accountability.
Why Does Fellowing With Other Believers Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
It reminds us we’re not alone in our faith journey.
It strengthens us through encouragement and shared wisdom.
It challenges us to grow in love and service.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Fellowship with Other Believers?
Join a Bible study, a small group, or a community such as the Overflow Community.
Attend church regularly and engage in meaningful conversations.
Find a prayer partner for spiritual support.
9. Serve Others with Love
Serving others is one of my favorite ways to realign my heart and connect with God. Serving others aligns our hearts with God’s compassion. Acts of kindness and love help us reflect God’s character and keep us from becoming self-focused.
Why Does Serving Others Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
It shifts our focus from self-centered concerns to God’s mission.
It reminds us of God’s love and compassion.
It deepens our joy as we give to others.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Serving Others With Love?
Look for small ways to bless others daily.
Volunteer at your local church or in the Overflow Community.
Ask God to open doors to serve those in need.
10. Trust in God’s Presence
We all get wrapped up in our world, and we forget how much God desires to connect with us. Remember that God desires to connect with you more than you desire to connect with Him. Approach Him with faith, knowing He is always near (James 4:8). At the core of connecting with God is believing He is near and longs for a relationship with us.
Why Does Trusting in God’s Presence Prepare Our Hearts to Connect with God?
It removes fear and doubt, replacing them with faith.
It reassures us that God is always present, even in silence.
It encourages us to approach Him with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Trusting in God’s Presence?
Remind yourself of God’s promises when you feel distant.
Speak words of faith, declaring His presence in your life.
Rest in His love, knowing He is always with you.
We must remember that connecting with God isn’t about a formula—it’s about a relationship. These practices help position our hearts to receive from Him, but ultimately, God’s presence is always available. He delights in drawing near to those who seek Him (James 4:8).
*This article was originally posted on overflow.community.