Length: 10-20 mins

Hear why cultivating union with God is one of the PULSE habits, see it in Scripture, and discuss this habit with your group.

Link to printable version coming soon

Why the “U” in PULSE stands for UNION

You may notice that union is the only word in the PULSE acronym that is not a verb. This is intentional! Union with God—a meaningful, personal relationship with God—is not just a checklist of actions to complete.

God wants us to know him, be with him, and abide in him in real and transformative ways that impact every part of our lives. We want to know God and be shaped by his heart for the world – not just in the “doing,” but in the “being” as well. When I engage in this “habit,” I am reminded that God’s mission of redeeming and restoring all things is for me, too.

Union with God in Scripture

We see a life of union with God described throughout the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, which are prayers and songs communicated to God in all kinds of circumstances. In the New Testament, Jesus lives in perfect union with the Father, and prays that we would experience the same. This prayer comes to the fruition, as the New Testament also goes on to describe how all Christians are gifted by Jesus with the indwelling Holy Spirit in order to live in union with God.

Read some or all of the following passages for more context.

  • Psalm 46:10

  • John 17:20-21

  • Galatians 2:20

Discussion Questions

  • How would you summarize God’s heart for you to experience union with him, from these verses and the rest of Scripture?

  • What does the habit of cultivating this relationship with God look like in your life right now?

  • How does knowing God wishes to be in a relationship with you lead you towards the next step in your faith?

Pray Together

  • Take a few minutes to pray for some of what came up in your discussion today.