Intimacy with God

Intimacy with God is essential for spiritual growth, why?

First, we have to understand what exactly intimacy with God means, and what it entails. It means being personal with God, seeing Him as your friend and father, not some guy in the sky you have to worship. It means allowing God into and recognizing Him in your personal life and other days of the week, not just Sundays. Intimacy with God means welcoming Him into your heart.

When we become intimate with God, we are able to understand Him better, and thus, His word. We realize that everything he wants from us, all the commandments, are for our own benefit. We begin to understand the extent of His love and plans for us, so we have peace through all the storms and challenges we face. We become more receptive to His convictions, inspirations, and will, which keeps us from sin and allows us to be conformed to who he wants us to be. Intimacy with God gets us one step close to being with Him.

So, how do we build intimacy with God? The answer to this question is different for different people. For me, it's talking. I talk to God like I talk to a friend: when I need to unburden, when I need help, when I'm bored, when I have something exciting to share, or when I just want to tell Him about my day. The thing is, a good friend listens when their friend talks as well, so listen for God's voice all around you.

Another thing I do is saying "I love you," which I know is weird, but it works. I usually say it at the end of my prayer, just like I say I love you to my parents when I'm getting off the phone with them. It really makes me feel closer to God.

So, as usual, find what works for you, because just like any good relationship, friendship with God takes effort. He's been doing His part since before any of us were conceived, it's time we did ours. Peace and love of Christ be with you all!

Disclaimer: This answer is based on personal experience