How to connect with God
Discover new ways to encounter Him
As a community at Chanctonbury, our mission is Glorifying God, Becoming Like Jesus, and Awakening the Nations.
We can’t do any of that by ‘trying really hard’ or using our own strength. The only way this is possible is to passionately desire spending time with Jesus and seeking His presence.
Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
How can we actually do that practically, when we are in the world, with hundreds of distractions?
For a long time, many of us have tried to connect with God in one particular way. Going to church is an obvious one. At home, maybe that’s trying to sit down quietly.
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”
That’s not always easy!
This is a beautiful, precious thing; however, it’s not the only way to connect with Him. He wants to connect with you in a personal way. Trying different ways to connect helps us learn what “makes us come alive” and how we hear His voice best. Jesus wants to build a relationship with you, your way!
If you start the day prioritising seeking Him and His presence, the rest of your day will be different! You’ll have a scripture verse running through your head, maybe a song, or an impression of how much He loves you — or what He is calling you to influence that day.
Daily personal encounters with Him will strengthen your faith so that you’ll be operating from a place of peace and joy rather than stress and striving.
God created us differently! How do you best encounter Him?
Why not have a think? Maybe jot down some notes, and if you’d like some inspiration, listen to these YouTube links to discover new ways to encounter Him.
These videos were produced in the US, so some of the vocabulary/visuals may be a little different to the UK, but He is the God of the universe!
Connect with God through Expression & Creativity
Does the Lord inspire you with creative ideas? Do you express your love for Him or others through creative expression – cooking, interior design, playing the piano, creating art, writing poetry, or songwriting? Why not experiment with having a time of worship, reading the Bible, or resting, and ask the Lord how He would like you to express this?
Exodus 31:1–5 – Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
At Chanctonbury, we have a high value for creativity in His presence
We encourage artists and creatives to release what the Spirit is saying, particularly during our Weeks of Worship and Prayer.
Andrew Milne is a gifted local artist who worships at Chanctonbury. Click this link to see art created during Prayer and Worship times at Chanctonbury.
Contact Felicity at office@chanctonbury.org.uk for more information.
Connect with God through Adoration
The focus is simply to take time to sit and love Him. This could be in words or worship, in the Word, and in prayer. It’s taking time to snuggle in close.
John 13:23 – “One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining against His chest.”
Connect with God through Creation
The things you naturally enjoy – the Lord enjoys with you!
Have you encountered the presence of the Lord outside church? There’s freedom in being outside – you’re not in a ‘religious place’; there’s an invitation to experience the wonder of Him in the palace of His creation!
Talking and praying outside is liberating. If you don’t know where to start, simply begin with thankfulness.
How does creation make you feel?
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Connect with God through Movement
Do you love going for a walk or run? Do you come alive when you dance? Are you more focused when you’re moving? Do you connect with God more when you’re active?
Invite Him into your movement and start a conversation with Him – either internally or out loud, if that helps.
Are your prayers more fervent when you’re pacing rather than sitting still? You have full permission to ‘break out of the box of being still!’
James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Connect with God through Remembrance
Can you remember the first time you sensed the love of God? The first time you felt the physical touch of the Holy Spirit on your hands? A time you or someone you prayed for was healed? The birth of a baby? A rush of peace in worship? A powerful dream?
When a line of scripture made your heart leap? When joy bubbled up uncontrollably? When you saw a vivid picture or received a word that released Jesus’ love to someone else?
In the natural, you may not feel God or sense His presence – but remembering these moments with thankfulness can reopen those doors to His love.
If you haven’t experienced these things yet, start with simple gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for my cosy bed…”
Psalm 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
Connect with God through Solitude
Time alone is precious. It’s a space to step away from people, noise, and distractions. Sit quietly and listen.
Offer your imagination to the Lord – ask Him to sanctify it (set it apart for Him). Wait and listen. What do you sense? See where He guides you.
If lots of thoughts flood in, keep a notebook nearby to jot them down so you can return to stillness. There’s no rush… just sit and wait.
A Bible and journal can be handy to record what you hear.
Matthew 6:6 – “When you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”
Connect with God through meditation on the Word
A key to knowing Jesus better is spending time reading, pausing, and chewing on the Bible.
Don’t understand something?
Ask Him: “Show me more, Lord. What does this mean?”. The Word is living and active – it changes things. The more you know it, the more it becomes a weapon in your daily life.
Try reading different Bible translations to bring fresh insight.
Do you enjoy writing out verses? That’s a great way to memorise them!
Connect with God through Learning
There’s nothing better than setting time aside not just to read the Bible as a checklist, but to explore its meaning in greater depth.
If a particular phrase or scripture jumps out, it’s an encouragement to go deeper. Do you enjoy reading study notes and cross-references? It’s a great way to discover new facets of who He is and gain deeper spiritual understanding.
It’s exciting when you start to see Jesus throughout the entire Bible!
Asking Him and discussing with others will take you deeper in your connection with God.
Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
Connect with God through Fasting
Fasting isn’t easy – but it’s a ‘fast-track’ to connecting with God. It’s choosing to come away with Jesus and seek His face.
Fasting is denying what I long for in order to access what He longs for.
James Aladiran describes a fast not as a religious duty but as a way to awaken spiritual hunger.
Do I care more about how I feel or perform than about the invitation to go deeper with Him?
At Chanctonbury, we encourage a weekly rhythm of fasting on Wednesdays. We also have seasons of corporate fasting.
Ask the Lord to speak to you about how He wants you to fast.
Sometimes, at Chanctonbury, we do a corporate Daniel Fast – as a basic guide: no meats, no sweets, no treats.
The Daniel Fast is inspired by Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with royal food and wine.”
Verse 12 – “Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
Other times, we encourage a “Water-Only” fast.
Always check with your doctor if you have a medical condition.
Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
