Conversation

Conversation is an exchange of words, sentences with at least one other person. It is communication at a basic level. A way to get to know someone, learn about new things, give and receive direction. Bottom line is conversation is a base  need to grow, learn and thrive. Whether it is at school, home, work or out shopping you need to exchange words with others to learn and receive what you need or want. So why do I look at prayer as anything but conversation?

Prayer is seen as a request, only asking, in regards to what I want or need from God. Prayer can be used as a plea bargaining action, an if You will then I will type deal or just help me get out of this crappy situation. Most prayers I used to offer up where just those things, a plea bargain basically.  A need that I was frantic for an answer or deliverance from.

Over the last few months I have come to enjoy prayer. Only because something shifted in my mind about who I was praying to and why. Was I praying to please God, get to know Him or was it a check mark on a to do list to please a pastor, friend, someone I admired or to even show off how holy I was? To be honest at some point, it was mostly to show off how holy I was or to please someone I thought could help me. 

One day, I realized that God already knew my heart and mind. He only wanted me to get to know Him. "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding: yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5 (emphasis mine) That is a blueprint on hearing from God. 

Knowledge of God is no different than knowing who someone is. How do I get to know someone? I ask questions. Then why not ask questions of God? It is to find out who He is, what we mean to Him and how He desires for me to be holy and righteous in Him.  Asking questions and listening to the answers are what drives a conversation. When you get one answer it can lead to another question which in turn will lead you deeper into the conversation.

As I get to know who God is then I become more confident in who I am, who He is and that I am righteous and holy as I listen to His voice. Hearing His voice for me has been difficult at times. Life gets in the way, emotions run crazy and other’s opinions have blocked God’s voice from me. Stopping me form asking the questions and at times not listening to what God is speaking to my heart.

How do I not let this happen? I get alone with God. Even with my boys running around I can get alone with God. Even with the noise, excitement and chaos God can still me to hear Him. How? Practice is key. Slow deep breathes, eyes closed I can ask God what now and wait. I can open up my phone to one of many bible apps and read or look up key words that I may be interested in or struggling with. At times I will walk away and just look at the beauty God has surrounded me with.

I encourage you to find what works for you to hear from God. Listen to what he wants to do for you. When you do life can change and living for God is a totally new experience.