In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " This means the only way to have a relationship with God is to be a follower of Jesus. While each person’s prayer is personal, it might go something like this: “Dear Lord, I know I haven’t always been perfect. Please forgive me for all the times I’ve sinned, like when I was impatient or told a lie. I want to become your follower so I can be more like you. Please guide me and help me to become a better person. Amen. "
The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 that God will be merciful: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. "
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus offered up a model prayer that you can use as an example of how to talk to God. Also known as the Lord’s Prayer, it says: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. " For another example of how to pray, read the Psalms, which is a Biblical book full of various prayers to God.
To have a close relationship with Jesus, you have to study his words. In John 6:63, Jesus says: “The words I have spoken to you are my spirit and they are life. "
You may also find missions, Bible study groups, or other fun activities that will enrich your life. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible says that when believers meet together, you can uplift each other: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. "
In Colossians 3:5-10, the Bible lists a number of earthly sins to avoid, including sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying. John 14:21 says following God’s laws is a way to show Jesus that you love him: “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. "
In James 1:19-20, the Bible advises you to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. " In Matthew 5:3-10, Jesus gives a speech known as The Beatitudes, where he admonishes his followers to be peaceful, meek, and righteous. The Beatitudes say: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "
In 1 John 2:15, the Bible says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. " This means it’s important to focus on God’s values, rather than the things the world says are important, like lust, beauty, and material objects. The next verse continues that thought: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. " (1 John 2:16)
Not only will helping other people please God, but it will also give you a sense that you’re doing good in the world, which can be very fulfilling. Philippians 2:3-4 says you have a duty to take care of those who are in need: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. " 1 Peter 4:10 encourages you to find ways to use your specific talents and gifts to help others: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. "
In the book of Matthew, Jesus says that you should be proud to share your faith: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. " (Matthew 5:14-16)
