A Conversation with God.......Having a conversation with God...what does that mean? How do I know what to say? How do I know if I'm actually hearing from God? Learning how to hear from God is a learned skill, just like lots of other skills. In fact, I read a book about how to have a conversation with God not long ago. It really gave me a foundation to start the process. Here are a few things I've learned along the way:
First, there is no wrong way to talk to God. He listens no matter what you say. But I believe He listens more intently when you speak from the heart. One of God's most important measures is motive. If, when you pray, you are doing it under some sense of obligation or sense of condemnation for what you did yesterday, your motive isn't as pure as it should be. That's not to say that you shouldn't be sorry for all the dumb things you said or did yesterday, but it does mean that a conversation with God means God wants to talk to you about alot of things, not just when you're feeling guilty. Some people feel "stuck". They don't know how to get started. Here are some tips: Come to the conversation wherever you are in your life. There is no need to clean up first, or try to straighten things out before you talk to God so you feel like you're making yourself worthy. God sees it all anyway, so just come as you are. And don't worry about the words. Start your conversation with God by thanking Him for all your blessings. No matter what state you're in, things can always be worse. Finding reasons to be grateful shows God you appreciate His help. Talk from your heart. Tell God your need...honestly...without fanfare. He doesn't care about the words, He cares about your sincerity and the motive in your heart. Thank Him for listening. Always end your conversation with God in thanks. Scriptures on Hearing from GodSome people feel more comfortable if they can read scripture and perhaps even quote it during their prayers. For those of you, here are some scriptures on hearing from God: Jeremiah 7:23: But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you will be my people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you. Matthew 7:24-25 So everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them (obeying them) will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. And the rains fell and floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock. Deuteronomy 28:1 If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. Print & PrayAnd finally, here is a prayer that you can say over and over. PRINT it AND PRAY as you learn how to have a conversation with God and recognize His voice: God, I'm not sure how to talk to You. But I thank you God, for all the blessings in my life. You deserve so much more than I can ever give. I know You've given me so many things to be thankful for, so I just thank you. I want to get to know You, God. I want to understand You and be able to recognize Your voice. There are so many things in my life that I've messed up and I need Your help. I've tried to do everything my own way and now I have a mess in a lot of areas. Please help me God. Please teach me how to hear from You. Teach me how to recognize Your leading. Your Word says if I delight myself in you, that you'll lighten my path. I just receive Your forgiveness, Your strength, and mostly, Your grace. I believe with all my heart, that You'll show me it's You as You lead me. Thank you for caring about me enough to help me. In Jesus' name I give you my prayer. AMEN! Here are some GREAT books that will help you start a conversation with God.
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