“Have regular date nights” is advice I have heard frequently since getting married, and it is something my husband and I have intentionally tried to practice faithfully. Over time, I have discovered that being fully engaged in the experience and genuinely enjoying each other’s company are powerful tools for strengthening our bond. Active engagement is what makes date nights meaningful; otherwise, we are simply going through the motions, and the experience loses its impact on our marriage.

We try not to rush through our time together but instead savor every moment. Date nights remind us of how we fell in love and why we continue to choose each other every day. We bond through shared experiences, learn new things about one another, dream together about the future, and end the night feeling valued, connected, and loved.

In much the same way that intentional and scheduled date nights enrich our marriage, intentional and consistent prayer time is essential for deepening our relationship with God. During those moments with Him, we remember why we love Him and are reminded of how deeply He loves and values us. We are reassured of our identity in Christ and grow in our understanding of who He is. Prayer also creates space for God to reveal important things to us.

As Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” (NIV). Likewise, Isaiah 45:3 declares, “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name” (NIV).

In addition, a consistent prayer life allows the fruit of the Spirit to flourish within us:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV).

Over time, prayer transforms us from the inside out, and we are never the same again.

My husband and I spend a lot of time together outside of our scheduled date nights, but there is something uniquely special about date nights themselves. In the same way, although we should abide in God daily and communicate with Him throughout the day, there is a different depth and atmosphere that comes with intentional, unhurried, one-on-one time with God.

When we set aside dedicated time for Him, we are offering Him the gift of quality time and demonstrating that He is a priority in our lives. Scripture makes it clear that God desires for us to pursue Him intentionally. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (NIV). Likewise, Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (NIV).

Just as date nights often involve spending uninterrupted time alone together, away from children, family, and other distractions, it is important that our time with God is also free from interruptions. If you are in a busy season of life or raising a family, this may require staying up later after everyone has gone to bed, waking up earlier in the morning, or, if possible, leaving your home to spend time alone with God in a quiet place.

In addition, one date night is never enough to sustain a thriving relationship; it must become a regular practice. Similarly, intentional time with God should not be occasional, but consistent. The Bible records several instances where Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend time alone with His Father, setting an example for us to follow.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (NIV)

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” — Luke 6:12 (NIV)

Today, I encourage you to schedule regular, meaningful alone time with God, the equivalent of spiritual date nights, and prepare to experience a deeper level of intimacy and connection in your relationship with Him.