We've been told that God talks to us through
the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Some people even say God talks
to them through other people (I happen to believe that's true).
What about our talking to Him?
Is it possible to talk to God?
It's hard to talk to someone you can't see. With faith you believe
in what you can't see. You know in your heart God exists and
that He desires a personal relationship with each of us. A relationship
requires good two-way communication.
Yes, you can talk to God.
Most people would say that prayer is the way you talk to God.
I'd agree with that, but I'd also say that prayer is more than
talking to God. Prayer is raising our hearts to God, sometimes
in union with others, expressing gratitude and love for our
Creator. There's a great quote from Mother Teresa that says,
"God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the
beginning of prayer."
Talking and Praying
Talking with someone is not always praying.
Our attitude when we talk to God should be reverent. However,
God is big. He can take whatever language or attitude we bring.
It may not be proper, but I don't believe God refuses to listen
if we are angry or upset and crying out. In fact, He's glad
when we are honest.
How do you talk to God? The answer to that may be as varied
as there are people. It's a personal thing. Maybe we can suggest
some approaches.
Get Real
When I talk to God I try to be real. Honesty
allows me to say what's really on my mind. Usually I'm not mad
at God and so I try to have an attitude of humility, gratitude
and love. But, I'm only human, so it varies. You can yell at
Him if you must. Crying out to God is usually heartfelt-and
God likes hearing from our hearts.
I'm the kind of person that talks to God internally. There is
nothing wrong, however, with talking to Him out loud. You might
get some weird looks if others hear you. If you find that troublesome
then go someplace where you can be alone. By all means, if you
feel your communication is improved by speaking out loud then
do so!
I know some people who talk to God as natural as speaking with
a friend sitting next to them. They tell God what's going on
with them and ask what they should do about things in their
life. It's real and honest.
Others find a more formal approach comforting. They feel the
need to be in a church or chapel to approach God. I don't think
the environment is so important, as long as we are reverential
and our dialogue is meaningful.
Whatever your approach I hope that you do spend time talking
to God. He already knows you and your heart, but, like a good
parent, is happy when you want to chat. The more you do it the
more natural it will seem.
Tell God how you feel. Let him know if you are happy (give praise)
or remorseful (confess your wrongs), troubled (put your trust
in him), sad, fearful…all of it. When you've had your say
be sure to spend time in meditation. This is listening to God.
As our prayer life grows we discover that answers do come and
God does talk to us-to our heart through the Holy Spirit, through
scripture and through other people.
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"And
now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites
who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues
where everyone can see them. I assure you, that is all the
reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself,
shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly.
Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.
When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions
do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating
their words again and again. Don't be like them, because your
Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!"
