Day 1: You Have a Friend Request

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
— James 4:8 (NIV)

We live in a world full of notifications. Buzzes. Alerts. Messages competing for our attention every minute of the day. Phones vibrate. Inboxes fill up. Our minds rarely get a break.

Over time, we’ve learned how to filter what gets our attention and what doesn’t. What we don’t always realize is that God is reaching out too . . . even now!

From the very beginning, God has wanted relationship, not distance. Scripture shows us a God who speaks, invites, responds, and draws near. He doesn’t just speak to prophets, pastors, or “super-spiritual” people—He speaks to His children.

Prayer isn’t a one-way message we send into the void. It’s not about saying the right words or checking a religious box. Prayer is a conversation God is already initiating.

The challenge isn’t that God is silent. It’s that His invitation often gets lost in the noise of our lives. And sometimes we just don’t recognize the ways God is speaking and nudging (more on that in Week 2).

When we slow down enough to notice, we might see that God’s been speaking all along—through His Word, through gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, moments of peace or conviction, or even bold calls for us to move forward: to trust, grow, or take a step that might not make sense at first, but will pay huge dividends later.

Like a friend request waiting to be accepted, God doesn’t force His way into our lives. He invites us closer. He’s not looking for likes. He’s looking for follows. But sometimes, God wants to play a little hide and seek with his children. It’s part of the way he teaches and fathers us:

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

Today isn’t about hearing everything God will ever say. It’s about opening the door and saying, “I’m here. I’m listening.” Practice is progress—and your heavenly Father loves to see your progress!

Reflection (Talk with God)

Take a moment to pause and become aware of God’s presence with you right now. Play some instrumental worship music to set an atmosphere to help you tune in to God’s presence.

• As you reflect on today’s devotional, what word, phrase, or idea stands out most to you? Ask God why that might be.

• In a few sentences, write a prayer responding honestly to God about your current pace of life and attention.

• Ask God directly: “What are You inviting me to notice or respond to right now?”
  Sit quietly for a moment, then write down anything that comes to mind—without editing or overthinking.

Prayer

God, thank You that You desire relationship with me.Help me become more aware of Your presence and more open to Your voice. I choose to draw near to You today. Open my ears to hear You. Open my eyes to recognize Your nudges. I believe that as I draw near to You, You are already drawing near to me. I choose to seek You today and throughout these 21 Days of Prayer—taking You at Your word, that I will find You when I seek You with all my heart! Amen.

Memorize

(Repeat aloud or write down 3–5 times, including the verse reference)

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” — James 4:8 (NIV)

Application (Live it Out)

Choose one or two of the following to practice today:

• Create a draw-near moment:
  Decide on one specific time today when you will intentionally pause—even briefly—to acknowledge God’s presence. Set an appointment or reminder on your calendar.

• Reduce one source of noise:
  Identify one small distraction you can mute, limit, or step away from today.

• Respond quickly:
  If you sense a gentle nudge from God—toward prayer, trust, gratitude, encouragement, repentance, reaching out to someone, giving something—practice responding without delay.

• Anchor your attention:
  When you feel hurried or distracted, quietly remind yourself:
  “As I draw near to God, He draws near to me.”

Let these practices be an expression of trust—by God’s grace and help, and through your willing commitment—as you begin these 21 Days of Prayer.