Because prayer is the strategy of Pioneer Bible Translators, our worldwide team intentionally sets aside a day of fasting and prayer every month. This month, instead of offering up praises and petitions collected from some of our teammates, we are taking time to reflect on obstacles that interfere with a close relationship with God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus prayed that His followers would “know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” (John 17:3 NIV). He wasn’t referring to just knowing about God; He prayed that His followers would have a personal relationship with Him.
God longs for a closer relationship with every one of His people. Unfortunately, intimacy busters draw our focus away from Him to other things. Restoring intimacy requires taking time to reflect and identify the intimacy busters in order to open the door to repentance and greater intimacy.
Each section below focuses on a specific obstacle to intimacy. Each contains Scripture and a few questions to ponder. Read the verse and prayerfully reflect on it for a while. Then read the questions and be still in God’s presence as you reflect on them. Ask Him if there is anything He wants you to repent of.
False gods
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3 NIV)
When things don’t go right in your life, who or what do you go to rather than God? Are there things or people you trust more than God? Are there activities that take you away from God, that produce the fruit of the flesh in your life rather than the fruit of the Spirit?
Grudges
Paul said, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Are you still angry at someone because of their words or actions? Are there people you don’t want to forgive? Are you holding any grudges against anyone for minor offenses?
Fear
The psalmist says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NLT)
Is there anything or anyone that you fear? Are you afraid of failing or losing control? Are you afraid of dying? Are you afraid of what others may think?
Pride
“The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low.” (Isaiah 2:11 NIV)
Do you consider yourself better than others? Or maybe consider your culture better than another? Do you take pride in your great abilities? Are you confident that you can do great things without talking to God first?
Prayer
Our Father, thank you for gently pointing out areas in my life that are displeasing to you. I confess these sins and ask you to forgive me. I want to make changes in my life, but I need your help to do so. Give me the grace to become more like Jesus and to draw closer to you. Amen.
