When I was younger I used to talk to myself alot. Not out loud but in my head. I would say things to myself that I wouldn’t say to other people. I wouldn’t tell people they were stupid, or ugly, or unlovable but I would say those things to myself. I was very critical of myself. That could be a reason why I was so shy and had low self-esteem.
When I went to college I didn’t talk to myself as much but I learned about talking to God. I was told that prayer was just talking to God. Growing up, prayer was reciting words from a book. I memorized several that we said often such as the “Our Father”, “Hail Mary”, and “Grace before meals” prayers. Before college, prayer was mostly requests for God to do something for me. I would ask Him to help me do well on a test or not to have any cavities. My prayers were mostly one sided.2
During my college days, I had a lot of opportunities to learn about prayers through Bible study, retreats, and workshops. I also observed how other people pray when we had prayer meetings. I noticed that we don’t need to be kneeling or have hands clasped. Some people used ‘religious’ language but most people used everyday language.
I remember a lesson from someone with Campus Crusade who said to pray in ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. This was a good start for me because I adored God. I would rather confess directly to God than to a priest. I am very thankful, and I was already good at asking God to do something for me.
As I read the Bible and grew closer in my relationship with Jesus, I started talking to God more in my mind. I was criticizing me less. There are still times when I get critical with myself but now I have the habit of thanking God for anything that is good. I thank Him for the blue sky, the soft breeze, the deer eating on our neighbor’s lawn.
Some people need a quiet place to focus on God to pray. I do my best to set a time to read the Bible and spend time thinking of God every day. But we can talk with God anywhere and anytime. Sometimes I’m in the bathroom when I talk to God. Or I could be driving in my car. God is with us all the time so we can talk with Him whenever we want. In fact, as believers He is in us! The Holy Spirit reminds us of what Jesus said or of a verse in the Bible. God answers prayers through other people, songs on the radio, or circumstances throughout our day. That’s how we can have a conversation with God.
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank You for wanting a relationship with us. Help us to realize that You are always with us and will never leave. May we want to talk with You so that we can have a closer relationship with You. Help us to hear Your answer.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
Matthew 6:6
Ephesians 6:18
Luke 6:12; 18:1
1 Corinthians 6:19
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Jeremiah 29:12
James 5:16
Philippians 4:6
1 John 1:9
1 Timothy 2:1
Colossians 4:2
Song
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Scriven
Call to action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then take a look at Matthew 6:5-13 where Jesus teaches about prayer. Share your thoughts in the Arise2 Grow More Facebook Group.