Day 1: God Draws Near

Daily Flow

Set aside unhurried time. If the day feels full, do not skip—simply slow down as much as you are able.

1. Opening Scripture Read the passage slowly and prayerfully.

2. Devotional Reflection Read the short teaching for the day. Allow the truth to settle in your heart.

3. The Examen Pause and reflect using the questions provided. Write brief responses as you are able.

4. Lectio Divina Read the Scripture out loud slowly, emphasizing different words or phrases to meditate on the different aspects of the passage.

5. Prayer Prompt Respond to God in prayer.

Opening Scripture

Acts 2:42–43 (NIV)

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

Devotional Reflection

Before Christ ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He told the disciples that it was good for Him to return to the Father. Until He returned, the Holy Spirit could not come to dwell in the hearts of every believer.

Our passage today comes just after the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit entered the hearts of the disciples—and then all believers. God desired to be nearer to His people. From Father, to Son, to Spirit, God moved closer and closer. He was God above us as the Father, God with us as the Son, and now He is God in us through the Holy Spirit.

The coming of the Spirit was not only a great gift, but a reflection of God’s deep desire to dwell near His people. The response of the believers to God moving nearer was simple and profound: they devoted themselves more fully to Him.

The proper response to the Holy Spirit living within us—speaking and teaching, correcting and rebuking through the Word of God, and comforting us in pain and struggle—is greater devotion on our part. Yet full devotion requires discipline.

As wonderful as the Lord is, we live in a world whose ethos appeals to our sinful nature, seeking to distract us and pull us away. We must remember that the God of the universe—the Creator of all things, the King of kings and Lord of lords—desires not only to be our Savior, but also our close friend.

Intimacy with God produces glad and sincere hearts. Without that intimacy, the world draws us toward anxiety, jealousy, division, and unrest. God’s way is better. In Him, we find a better life.

The Examen

1. Where did I notice God drawing near to me today—through His Spirit, His Word, or a quiet prompting of my heart?

2. How did I respond to God’s nearness today—with devotion, distraction, resistance, or surrender? What does that reveal about my current intimacy with Him?

Lectio Divina Scripture

John 8:31–32 (NIV)

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, help me during these 40 days to be as consistent as I am able. Help me not to condemn myself when I fall short, but instead to allow myself to be continually drawn by Your love and grace. Amen.