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Can We Talk? |
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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."
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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.
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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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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978,
1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout
the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for
the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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The Power of a Praying Parent
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by Stormie Omartian
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Recommended
Reading
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MATTHEW 6:5-8
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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!"
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(NLT)
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