Prayer for young adults

Father,

Song of Solomon starts with a simple request. The bride asks to be close to the one she loves. She does not start with a lesson. She starts with longing.

I see that in myself. This month I have had a long list of things to read and listen to. Podcasts. Commentaries. Essays. Lectures. I can talk about what I have learned. But I have not asked You to be near.

I have been reading the menu and skipping the meal.

The things I study about You matter. But they were meant to lead me to You, not take Your place. Knowing about God is not the same as being with God.

So today I am asking plainly. Be near me, by Your Spirit, in this room and this hour. Not just truth about You. Your presence. The things I learn will mean more when I am meeting the One they are about.

Bring Yourself close to me. Not instead of what I study. Right in the middle of it.

Amen.