10 Tips for Intimacy with Jesus

In our bedroom the other day, I saw on my wife's dresser a little clipping she had taken from Revive magazine, a publication by Life Action Revival Ministries. I thought it conveyed ten simple, yet very helpful suggestions in strengthening one's relationship with the Lord. Some of these you may have already incorporated into your devotional life, and there might be others that you have not considered that may enrich your walk with God.

1. Value relationship. Recognize the importance of intimacy with Jesus every moment of the day.
2. Practice continuous communion. See the entire day as a running conversation with Jesus.
3. Invite His presence. Enter every conversation and meeting with a silent (or spoken) prayer.
4. Clear your conscience. Quickly deal with everything that is quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit.
5. Set daily appointments. Set a specific time for concentrated reading of the Word and prayer.
6. Embrace spontaneous conversations. If you wake up at an odd hour, or a thought or person comes to your mind, view it as Jesus' invitation for fellowship.
7. Cultivate true devotion. Approach devotional times as a conversation with Jesus, not a duty.
8. Journal. Record your thoughts during times of prayer, meditation, or Bible reading.
9. Exercise your soul. Take one day a month away with God. Get into nature with your Bible, and read whole books of the Bible in one sitting.
10. Focus through fasting. Practice regular fasting for the sole purpose of giving focused attention to Jesus.

Which of these do you already practice? What others could be of help to you?