3 Ways You Can Build a Relationship with God
God is our loving Father, and we can have a strong and meaningful relationship with Him.
As we come to know God, we will find more peace, happiness, and meaning in our lives, even in a world of chaos. You can build and strengthen your relationship with God by focusing on these three things.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” —John 17:3
Study God’s words
Jesus said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). God is our loving Father, and He wants a relationship with His children. We can learn about God by reading about Him and how He has helped His children through history. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both God’s word. Each shares stories of how God has helped, blessed, and at times, humbled His people. Consider the New Testament stories of Jesus’s miracles and forgiveness. Read the Book of Mormon story of Alma the Younger and how God answered his father’s prayer (see Mosiah 26–28). The Bible and the Book of Mormon have helped millions of people find God and feel His love.
Talk to God
God loves His children, and He wants to hear from them. Just as we would work to develop a relationship with a new friend by talking with them, we can build a relationship with God through prayer. As His child, you can ask Him for help and guidance as you pray. You can tell Him about your challenges and about your good days and bad days. And you can pray in gratitude to thank Him for all the things you enjoy in life—big or small.
No matter who you are, God is eager to bless you and help you find happiness. Jesus promised, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). At first it may feel strange to pray, and you might not be sure how to recognize God’s answers. But as you continually practice and try to pray with faith, prayer can become a sure form of communication with God. It will take effort, but it is worth it.
Follow Jesus Christ
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Learning about Jesus and His teachings is an important part of building a relationship with God. Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow. He taught us how to live and how to treat others. He suffered and died for our shortcomings and struggles so that we might find happiness in this life through Him. He is God’s greatest gift to us. We can read about Jesus’s life and teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. As we try to live what Jesus taught, we show God that we want to be closer to Him.