During my last blog, we discussed a conversation I had with friends about aspects of prayer. Together, we discovered what we are supposed to pray about: EVERYTHING (Proverbs 3:5-6). This blog will focus on how to talk to God.
It is easy to talk to our friends, family members, co-workers, and even complete strangers. My family makes fun of me because they say that in the amount of time it takes to come down an elevator, I will know everyone life story! Now that is a gross exaggeration, but not too out of the realm of possibilities.
For some of us, it is easy to talk to others, but what about talking to God? The reality of talking to the Creator of the universe seems daunting! What does one say to the One and Only Amazing Majestic God?
Well, let’s once again go to His Word to find out how Jesus told us to pray. He said this when asked how we are to pray:
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (who sin against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV) (emphasis added)
Jesus’ words demonstrate so much about how to talk to God (so much more than I have time to write about here), but the focus is on worship, petition, and confession.
When we pray, we worship: “Heavenly Father, praise be Your name in heaven and on earth!”
We make our petitions, our requests to God, with humility for our needs and ask for His help, guidance, provision, or intervention: “Give us today our daily bread.”
Then we confess, asking for forgiveness of our sins against others, ourselves, and against God: “And forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who sin against us. And deliver us from the schemes of the devil.”
There are other ways to talk to God:
According to the Bible, there are several key principles and examples that guide how to pray and talk to God:
1. Pray with Sincerity and Humility (Matthew 6:5-6)
2. Pray with Faith (Mark 11:24)
3. Pray with Persistence (Luke 18:1-8)
4. Pray with Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7)
5. Pray in Jesus’ Name (John 14:13-14)
6. Pray for Others (Ephesians 1:16-17)
These are all good ways to talk, to pray with God, but the thing He wants most from you is you. He just wants to spend time with you, talking with you, teaching you, loving you.
Talking to God doesn’t have to be daunting. Start today by setting aside a few quiet moments to pray. Use the principles outlined here as a guide, and remember, God is always ready to listen. Whether you’re worshiping, asking for help, giving thanks, or simply sharing your thoughts, He wants to spend time with you. Begin your conversation with Him now, and experience the peace and joy that comes from a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father.