Chapter One: From the Shallows to the Depths

Let’s be honest.

Most of us don’t believe we’re the kind of person who could live in deep intimacy with God. Maybe we’ve tried. Maybe we’ve watched others and felt we didn’t measure up. Maybe we’ve carried shame, or distractions, or just the weight of being human—and assumed those things disqualified us from a deeper life with Christ.

But that simply isn’t true.

You were made for the depths. Not just the mystics, not just the monks, not just the spiritual superheroes. You. You were made to know God in the marrow of your being. You were created not only for belief, but for union. Not only for doctrine, but for communion.

And this kind of knowing is closer than you think.

It begins in the heart. Not in the intellect, not in perfect behavior, not in polished prayers. It begins with the smallest movement of love—a glance toward God in the quiet, a turning of the heart in the middle of your day. It begins with a yes.

This way of prayer—if we can even call it that—is not about saying the right words. It’s about being with the One who already holds you. It’s not loud. It’s not impressive. But it is real. And it can change everything.

You may have heard the words, “pray without ceasing.” Maybe that sounded like an impossible task. But what if prayer isn’t something we do at God, but something we do with God—something that flows from within us, like breath?

Jesus once said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) And that is what this book is about. Not about spiritual gymnastics. But about resting into Presence. About finding, in God, the stillness beneath the striving.

If you are thirsty, come.
If you are starving for something real, come.
If you are tired, aching, uncertain—come.

This isn’t about arriving with everything figured out. It’s about arriving at all.

Even if you’re not sure what you believe anymore.
Even if your prayers feel dry or absent.
Even if you think you’ve strayed too far.
Even if you feel unqualified.

Especially then—come.

This is the place where performance ends and Presence begins.
This is where the depths open wide.
And they are open to you.

You don’t have to know how to pray.
You only need a heart that’s willing to turn toward Love.

And if you’re willing—if you’re just a little bit willing—then come.

Let’s go gently, together, from the shallows…
…into the depths.