The journey begins in January, focusing on cultivating intimacy with Jesus by learning to engage with Him vividly using imagination, emotions, and all five senses. This month invites believers to experience Jesus in a personal, tangible way—hearing His voice, feeling His presence, and sensing His nearness through intentional, reflective activities.
9 Core Activities for January Intimacy Bingo
1. Picture Jesus Walking Beside You (Matthew 28:20)
Scripture: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Activity:
Take a walk, imagining Jesus walking beside you. Picture His footsteps matching yours, His robe brushing gently against you, and His peaceful presence surrounding you.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did picturing Jesus walking with you affect your awareness of His presence?
Guided Visualization:
Imagine hearing the soft sound of His footsteps on the path, feeling the warmth of His presence as He walks beside you, and sensing the peace that radiates from Him.
Declaration:
“Jesus, You are always with me. I feel Your presence beside me, guiding my steps and filling my heart with peace.”
2. Imagine Sitting with Jesus and Sharing Your Heart (Psalm 62:8)
Scripture: “Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
Activity:
Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and imagine sitting with Jesus. Picture Him listening intently as you share your heart—your joys, struggles, and dreams.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did imagining Jesus listening to you deepen your connection with Him?
Guided Visualization:
Visualize the gentle warmth of His hand resting on yours, His compassionate eyes meeting yours, and His voice whispering, “I am here for you.”
Declaration:
“Jesus, I pour out my heart to You. You are my refuge, my friend, and the One who understands me completely.”
3. Experience Jesus’ Love Through Scripture Meditation (Romans 5:5)
Scripture: “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
Activity:
Meditate on a scripture that speaks of Jesus’ love for you. Let the words wash over you, and imagine His love being poured into your heart like a warm, soothing river.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did meditating on Jesus’ love affect your emotions and sense of being loved?
Guided Visualization:
Picture Jesus standing before you, His hands extended, pouring out His love like a golden stream of light into your heart. Feel the warmth spreading through you, bringing comfort and peace.
Declaration:
“Jesus, Your love fills my heart. I am surrounded by Your unfailing love, and I rest in the warmth of Your presence.”
4. Light a Candle and Pray, Inviting Jesus’ Presence (John 8:12)
Scripture: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Activity:
Light a candle as a symbolic act of inviting the light of Jesus into your heart and home. Spend a few moments in quiet prayer, welcoming His presence.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did lighting a candle and inviting Jesus’ presence affect your peace and focus?
Symbolic Action:
Keep the candle lit during your prayer time as a reminder of His constant presence.
Declaration:
“Jesus, You are the light of my life. Your presence fills every dark place with hope and peace.”
5. Write a Love Letter to Jesus (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Scripture: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Activity:
Spend time writing a personal love letter to Jesus, expressing your gratitude, love, and desire to grow closer to Him.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did writing a love letter to Jesus deepen your sense of intimacy with Him?
Symbolic Action:
Place your letter in your Bible or prayer journal as a personal offering of love.
Declaration:
“Jesus, I love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. You are my greatest treasure, and I delight in Your presence.”
6. Listen for Jesus’ Voice in Silence (John 10:27)
Scripture: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”
Activity:
Set aside 10 minutes of silence, focusing on listening for Jesus’ voice. Be attentive to any thoughts, impressions, or scriptures that come to mind.
Reflection Prompt:
- What did you hear or sense during your time of listening?
Guided Visualization:
Imagine Jesus sitting across from you, speaking words of encouragement and love. Feel the peace that comes from hearing His gentle voice.
Declaration:
“Jesus, I am Your sheep, and I listen for Your voice. Speak to my heart, and I will follow You.”
7. Thank Jesus for His Presence Before Bed (Psalm 63:6-7)
Scripture: “On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night.”
Activity:
Before going to bed, spend a few moments thanking Jesus for His presence throughout the day. Let gratitude fill your heart as you drift off to sleep.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did thanking Jesus for His presence bring peace and rest to your heart?
Declaration:
“Jesus, I thank You for always being with me. Your presence fills my heart with peace, and I rest in Your love.”
8. Practice a Physical Expression of Worship (Romans 12:1)
Scripture: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Activity:
Engage in a physical expression of worship, whether by raising your hands, kneeling, or dancing before Jesus. Let your body reflect your love for Him.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did expressing worship physically deepen your connection with Jesus?
Symbolic Action:
Offer your physical posture as a symbol of surrender and love.
Declaration:
“Jesus, I worship You with all that I am. My body, soul, and spirit are Yours, and I delight in glorifying You.”
9. Share a Moment of Intimacy with Jesus (Revelation 3:20)
Scripture: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.”
Activity:
Imagine sharing a meal with Jesus. Picture Him sitting at your table, enjoying fellowship with you. Talk to Him as you would a close friend.
Reflection Prompt:
- How did imagining Jesus sharing a meal with you affect your sense of closeness to Him?
Declaration:
“Jesus, I open the door of my heart to You. Come in, and let us share this moment together. Your presence is my greatest joy.”
Additional Sessions
Overcoming Barriers to Intimacy
- Barriers: Feelings of unworthiness, fear, distraction, or past wounds can hinder intimacy.
- Encouragement: Meditate on Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”) and declare, “Jesus, I am worthy of Your love. Nothing separates me from Your presence.”
Opportunities for Community Engagement
- Community Action: Share one of your reflections or love letters to Jesus with a trusted friend or small group.
- Encouragement: Find a prayer partner for the month and pray together once a week, sharing what Jesus is doing in your heart.
Final Encouragement for January
January’s journey is about opening your heart to Jesus and vividly experiencing His presence. By engaging your imagination, emotions, and senses, you will deepen your intimacy with Him and begin a transformative year-long adventure.
Amen!
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