Talking to God 101

Photo courtesy of Christianity Today

 (After the horrific events in El Paso and Dayton last weekend, this post seems uniquely timed.)

 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.



"How do I pray? What do I say to Him?" she asked.

I have had this late-night conversation more than once in recent days. Actually, I used to be this person--without a clue how to talk to God.

The big secret on how to talk to God is no secret at all. Talk to Him like He is your friend because you'll never have a better one. Check out the prayers of Jesus in the New Testament. He spent long hours alone, before the Throne of Grace.

When you're feeling upset, confused, anxious or just plain mad, tell your Heavenly Father how you feel. He can't wait to hear what's on your mind. Praise Him for blessings and fulfilled needs. Ask forgiveness for sins, old and new. Lift prayers for friends and neighbors and then some for yourself. It's not selfish--you're striving for spiritual growth.

Make prayer a priority. Ephesians 6 reminds us to pray often about many different things and for all people. Love your enemies and pray for bullies, according to Matthew 5. Some of the benefits of frequent prayer are mercy, answers, intimacy with Christ and relief from stress.

Finally, a reminder. Prayer time is a private conversation between you and God. Don't advertise it.

Prayer is a privilege not afforded to everyone. Please don't take it for granted. Keep those lines open!

***

 Notable Quote:

"No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it."--Guy H. King

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