DAY 1 — RETURNING TO HIS PRESENCE

Scripture Reading:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

These 21 days do not begin with a goal to achieve, but rather with a profound invitation to return. To return to God’s presence, which is a sacred space where we can reconnect with our true selves and with the divine. This return is not merely a physical act but a spiritual journey that invites us to come back to the place where everything finds its proper order, where chaos gives way to peace, and where our hearts can be realigned with God’s purpose for our lives.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is all too easy for our existence to become filled with an overwhelming cacophony of noise, responsibilities, and societal expectations. The demands of work, family, and personal commitments can often crowd out the still, small voice of God. Even good things—such as our relationships, careers, and various pursuits—can slowly take the place that belongs solely to God. Without even realizing it, we may find ourselves in a pattern where we stop truly dwelling in His presence and begin to treat it as a mere destination we visit from time to time, rather than a state of being we inhabit continuously.

As we embark on this sacred journey, today we are not coming to God seeking answers, solutions, or immediate direction. Instead, we are coming with the singular intention of drawing near. God is not distant or absent from our lives; His promise is clear and unwavering: when we make the effort to draw near to Him, He reciprocates by drawing near to us. This reciprocal relationship is foundational to our spiritual growth and intimacy with the Creator.

This season of prayer and fasting serves as a unique opportunity to quiet every other voice that clamors for our attention and to desire one thing above all others — to be with Him. In His presence, we discover rest for our weary souls, clarity in the midst of confusion, and true joy that transcends our circumstances. It is in these moments of communion with God that we find the strength and guidance we need to navigate the complexities of life.

Prayer Focus:

• Ask God to help you fully return to His presence, recognizing that this return is an ongoing journey of the heart and spirit.

• Surrender distractions, burdens, and worries to Him, allowing His peace to wash over you and replace your anxieties.

• Ask for a simple heart that is sensitive to His voice, one that is attuned to the subtle whispers of the Holy Spirit guiding you each day.

Prayer: Father, today we return to You with open hearts and minds. We lay aside everything that has distracted us from Your presence and choose to draw near to You once again. Awaken in us a deep hunger for You, a longing that surpasses all earthly desires. Teach us to dwell with You, not just to visit You in moments of need. We want more of You, Lord, and we seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.