Prayer – Talking to God
Prayer – Talking to God
By Dennis Huebshman
One of the greatest joys a parent can experience is for their children to say they want to talk. Sometimes it’s to ask for something, sometimes it’s to talk about a problem and sometimes it’s just to share uncertain feelings for reassurance. If more of this were done today, families would be closer together.
Unfortunately, today’s parents and children just aren’t that close. The “adults” are so consumed with their own personal lives the off-spring are left to pretty much take care of themselves. Rather than be bothered, the parents give them cell phones, computers and Gameboys to dominate the kid’s lives. Then, when a major issue arises, no one is prepared to handle the problem. Schools are expected to raise the children, but teachers are restricted as to how much they can do in this law-suit conscious country. Is it any wonder we have violence, bullying and all kinds of mayhem going on today? Youngsters crave and need attention – proper attention – and will find ways to get this.
In 1997, a Southern Gospel Group (Gold City) put out a song, “Pray”. The main theme is “When you don’t feel like praying – Pray!” Our Heavenly Father and Creator desires a relationship with us which is a foreign concept in all other religions. No earthly religion can say that about their so-called deities. God does not give us things to have us go away and not bother Him, but to show His love for us and expects our love for Him in return.
Before I go further, He’s not Santa Clause so don’t go to Him, as prosperity preachers say to do, and expect Him to fulfill all our “greeds”. As for “Needs”, I can honestly say He has always provided what I have actually needed even if I didn’t think it was enough. Sometimes I asked for things and didn’t receive them. Many times, after a short time passed, I found He was right not to give what I didn’t need. I have Faith He knows what’s best for me and for that I am thankful. He will not honor selfish motives.
Remember, 4 times in the book of Jeremiah God told the prophet to not even pray for the people because He wouldn’t listen. He wasn’t being mean, but they had turned away from Him and were worshiping other gods, yet expected Him to provide their needs. God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
James 4:2b-3 You do not have because you do not ask. (3) You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Every day stop what you’re doing for just 5 minutes and talk to God about what’s on your mind. Ask His blessing and the direction He wants us to go. Ask Him to put it in the hearts of people around us in need of spiritual help to seek us.
Don’t get all caught up in formality. He will not be impressed. He loves it if we start with offering praises for His love and especially for giving us His Son. Then, talk to Him as you would any parent or best friend……because He is! Most of all, believe that what you’re asking will be heard.
At first, this may seem awkward because many of us are not used to just talking to Him. After a few days, it will seem more natural, and you’ll actually look forward to speaking to Him. He is never apart from us, and He knows our needs even before we ask. Sometimes all you may have time for is to say “help”. He will understand.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:5-7: When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues, and on the street corners so they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. (6) But you, when you pray go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (7) And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
Don’t worry about where you are, or even if you get the words right. He loves all of us and really wants us to form a relationship with him. You don’t even have to speak out loud. Just concentrate on what you would like for your message to be, and He will hear you. Always ask for Divine Wisdom to go on. Don’t make any promises you don’t plan to keep.
The first mention of prayer is found in Genesis 4:26 – …then men began to call on the name of the Lord.
Psalm 4:3 says but know the Lord has set apart the Godly man for Himself. The Lord hears when I call to Him.
Acts 2:21 says “And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. This is also found in Joel 2:32 and Romans 10:13
All through the Bible are references of people calling out to God, and this should tell us we are not exempt from this. Remember, the more we talk to Him, the easier it gets. That even goes when we must confess our sins to Him. NO, He’s not happy we have sinned, but He knows we are weak by nature and will do so. However, He is faithful and just to forgive us when we ask. (1 John 1: 8-10) A true believer will have conscience problems until we confess To The Father. We get relief by opening our hearts to Him.
Last point, speak TO God – not AT Him! During the time you allot to your prayer, concentrate on Him. If it’s only 5 minutes, it’s better than not at all. As time goes on, you’ll find it’s easier and easier to go to Him, and you will be surprised as to how much time you begin to spend with Him.
Always remember to thank God for Jesus. After all, it was our Savior who gave us the right to approach the Father. And thank Him for sending the Holy Spirit to be our protector and conscience. Without Him, we would be at the total mercy of the evil one.
We are in troubling times, and major changes are about to happen. Don’t you really want the Creator of all the Heavens and Earth to be with you, to grant you comfort and strength to get through each day? He’s there 24/7 and He is listening to His children.
We also pray and ask all our petitions “In The Name Of Jesus”. He brought us that “right” on the cross. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, He’s the one taking them to the Father. God always listens to His Son. If you don’t have Jesus, don’t be surprised if your prayers seem to not go above the ceiling.
In closing, just a couple of passages for you:
Numbers 6:24 – The Lord bless you and protect you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and to be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Maranatha!