Drawing Near

Seeking God is one of the most profound and meaningful pursuits a person can undertake. Throughout history, people from every culture and walk of life have felt a deep longing to know their Creator, to understand His will, and to experience His presence. This search is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a journey of the heart—one that involves humility, curiosity, faith, and perseverance.

Whether prompted by questions, struggles, gratitude, or a quiet inner stirring, the desire to seek God reflects a universal recognition that life finds its truest purpose and deepest fulfillment in relationship with Him. This page provides Biblical and practical advice on how to get to know God and draw near to him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8)

Praying

Praying seems a logical approach to exploring the divine. Asking God to reveal Himself is a sincere, permissible, and encouraged act of faith, often done through prayer, reading scripture, and cultivating a quiet heart. It involves asking for a personal experience of His presence, guidance, or truth, often in times of uncertainty, with a humble heart willing to receive.

Prayers need not be formal or eloquent. In fact, the most powerful prayers are often simply honest expressions of desire for truth. An example of a simple prayer in a search for the divine might be:

“God, I don’t know if you exist, but if you are real, I ask that you show yourself to me. I am looking for the truth—please make it known.”

Scripture- Holy Bible

The Bible is considered the inspired, infallible Word of God and the final authority for Christian faith and practice. Christian theology considers the Bible as “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), meaning God is the source of its content. It is viewed as a divinely guided record, historically reliable, and transformative, serving as the foundation for knowing Jesus and living according to His will. 

When exploring Christianity, it seems imperative to look to Holy Scripture to determine God’s character, commands, principles and promises.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

God’s Word is not static, outdated, or merely informational. It is living — meaning it carries divine authority and ongoing relevance. It works in people’s lives, convicting, encouraging, correcting, and transforming.

Click “Bible Basics” below if you are new to the Bible

1. Overview

The Bible is a collection of 66 internal “documents” called the “books” of the Bible.

The Bible tells one overarching story:
Creation → Fall → Redemption → Restoration.

The Old Testament acts as the foundation, while the New Testament acts as the fulfillment. The OT predicts the Messiah, and the NT reveals that Jesus is that Messiah.

Many people start with the New Testament book of John, then read the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), then Acts, then return to Genesis.

2. Choose a Clear Translation

Consider an easily readable, modern language translation like:

  • New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV) or New Living Translation (NLT)

Also, consider a “study Bible” which is a version of the Bible that includes the full scripture text alongside extensive study aids like notes, maps, and commentaries designed to help readers understand the context, history, and meaning of the passages. It typically features notes at the bottom of each page to explain complex verses.

Read in Context

Avoid picking random verses at first. Read full sections or chapters so you understand the flow of thought.

Pray

If you believe — or even if you’re exploring — a simple prayer helps:

“God, if You are there, help me understand and guide me into truth.”

Don’t Be Discouraged by Confusion

Some parts are difficult. That’s normal. Mark them and move on. Understanding grows over time.

Consider Reading With Others

A study group, church, or trusted commentary can provide helpful context and prevent misunderstandings.

Study Guides / Commentaries / Devotionals

Bible study guides, commentaries, and daily devotionals help the reader engage Scripture with greater clarity, depth, and consistency. Study guides provide structure and direction, commentaries offer historical and theological insight, and devotionals encourage daily reflection and application. Together, they support spiritual growth by deepening understanding and helping connect God’s Word to everyday life.

Consider a Bible Course

There are countless Bible studies and courses available, many conducted in person by local churches. One of the best-known is The Alpha Course. It is promoted as “an opportunity to explore the meaning of life“. Alpha courses are run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and many other venues.

The Alpha Course is free, runs over 10 weeks and usually includes a day or weekend away. Each session typically begins with a meal, followed by a talk (usually in video format) and then a small group discussion. The Alpha Course has run in over 175 countries with over 30 million participants globally.

The Alpha Course is designed to be “seeker sensitive,” meaning it is delivered in a non-threatening manner and tailored predominantly for non-churchgoers. More information can be found on the “Resources” page.

The Community of Faith

The Bible emphasizes that seeking God is not only a personal pursuit but also something believers do together in fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)

Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)

At first glance, the church can seem deeply flawed. It is made up of ordinary people—people who struggle, fail, misunderstand, and sometimes hurt one another. Throughout history, these imperfections have led many to question the value or even the legitimacy of the church. Yet Scripture presents a different perspective.

The church was not created by human ambition but established by Christ Himself. Despite its imperfections, it remains His chosen instrument for gathering believers, nurturing faith, and carrying the message of the gospel into the world.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)

God has also appointed pastors to both teach and preach God’s word and to shepherd and tend Christ’s flock.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Please check the resources page on tips for finding the “right” church.