How to talk to God
by Mike Spinelli

Many people don't know how to talk to God. Some people are afraid to, others don't think they have the time to.

It's really very simple. While most people believe you have to be on your knees, hands clinched together, this is not always true. This is the most respectful way to talk to Him, but he would love to hear from us anytime. Sitting at your desk, driving somewhere, during a break. You don't need to put your head down and close your eyes, just open dialogue.

Jesus tells us how to, and how not to, pray. In Matthew 6:5-6, he says "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
 

Do we have to give a speech when we pray? Verse 7 says And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

What do you say? What can you pray about? Jesus gave us this prayer, and in these five sentences is all you need: Mat 6:9-13  Therefore pray in this way: Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins as we also forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

You can speak to Him in your own language. Any time you have a few moments to yourself.

Your prayers may not always be answered. Sometimes God has other plans for your life. Ecc 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Sometimes prayers aren't answered because we aren't close enough to him. 1John 3:22 says and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.

And Proverbs 15:29 says The Lord is far from the wicked but hears the prayer of the righteous

Philippians 4:6-7 says In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

You can always come to Him as a sinner and ask for forgiveness, and He will hear you. He will not turn His back on any of His children who have "needs". But like any parent, if we pray for "wants" and do not deserve them, He doesn't always give.

He wants you to have nice things and to be successful. Look around at church, there are happy people who seem to have life by the tail. What is their secret? They seem to enjoy themselves there and are involved with everything possible. Those two go together, like anything else you get out what you put in.

Along with prayer, comes praise. This is thanking God for all he has done, all the things he has done for you, and for people you know, and for sending His only Son to be crucified to pay for our sins. Want help in this area? Start out with Psalms, Proverbs, and Songs of Solomon. If reading those don't stir the heart, you need to have a serious talk with Him soon.