Serve him from a distance without drawing near

Receive an earthly reward instead of closeness

The Father entrusted these people to Jesus

The Father's love for the Son was already in place before the world began

Make a steady habit of prayer, Scripture, and worship so Christ's nearness shapes your choices

Wait for a dramatic feeling before paying attention to Jesus

Focus mainly on appearances, since that is what matters most

Keep Christ at a distance and think only about what is practical

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and I cannot make myself worthy to be with you. I turn from my sin and trust that you died for me and rose again. I believe you are Lord, and I ask you to bring me near to the Father so I may be with you and see your glory. Receive me, forgive me, and lead my life. Amen.

Bring Me Near to You

Father, awaken your Church with a fresh longing to be with your Son and to behold his glory. Forgive our dull hearts and scattered desires. Draw us near to Jesus, make us hungry for his presence, and let our lives reflect the beauty we have seen. Revive us with holy love, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wake Up Our Desire for Christ

Father, thank you that Jesus wants his people near him and not far away. Thank you that your love for the Son is older than the world and steadier than our changing days. Teach us to receive that love with gratitude and to cherish the gift of being with Christ.

Thank You for Wanting Us Near

Pray by naming one area where your attention is pulled away from Christ. Ask the Father to draw you closer to Jesus, then ask for one simple practice this week that will help you keep his glory in view.

Ask for One Clear Step Toward Jesus

Pray for someone who feels far from God or unworthy of being near him, that the Father would draw them to Christ, give them confidence in his welcome, and let them taste hope in his glory. Ask for courage to share that hope gently and faithfully.

Bring the Distant Near

Lord, grow in me a steady desire to be with Jesus and to see his glory. Free me from shallow aims, make your presence my joy, and train my heart to live for what lasts, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Teach My Heart to Long for Jesus

⸀πάτερ,{PA-ter###PAH-tehr###Father} ⸀ὃ{HO###HO###whom} δέδωκάς{de-do-KAS###deh-doh-KAHS###you have given} μοι,{mee###mee###to me} θέλω{THE-lo###THEH-loh###desire} ἵνα{HEE-na###HEE-nah###that} ὅπου{HO-poo###OH-poo###where} εἰμὶ{ee-MEE###ee-MEE###am} ἐγὼ{e-GO###eh-GOH###I} κἀκεῖνοι{ka-KEE-nee###kah-KEE-nee###they also} ὦσιν{O-sin###OH-sin###may be} μετʼ{met###meht###with} ἐμοῦ,{e-MOO###eh-MOO###me} ἵνα{HEE-na###HEE-nah###that} θεωρῶσιν{the-o-RO-sin###theh-oh-ROH-sin###may see} τὴν{TEEN###TEEN###the} δόξαν{DO-ksan###DOH-ksahn###glory} τὴν{TEEN###TEEN###the} ἐμὴν{e-MEEN###eh-MEEN###my} ἣν{HEEN###HEEN###which} ⸀δέδωκάς{de-do-KAS###deh-doh-KAHS###you have given} μοι,{mee###mee###to me} ὅτι{O-tee###OH-tee###because} ἠγάπησάς{ee-GA-pee-SAS###ee-GAH-pee-SAHS###you loved} με{me###meh###me} πρὸ{PRO###PROH###before} καταβολῆς{ka-ta-vo-LEES###kah-tah-voh-LEES###foundation of} κόσμου.{KOS-moo###KOHS-moo###world}

John 17:24 — FormalTAB

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