Keep the conversation going

We are eternally joined together spiritually in a relationship with a God who is a communicator, a relator (someone who relates), a listener.  He's someone who is conscious about us all the time - inclined toward us all the time - and ever aware of what we're thinking, feeling, saying, doing, being, wanting, contemplating, desiring...

There's nothing going on that God's not aware of.  He's in us, He is our life.  I was recently listening to someone teach a "method" for praying, and all I could think of is that I've come to know this personal, relatable, relation-based God in such a way that it makes "methods" for praying such a foreign concept to me anymore.  I won't knock you if you've got your own "methods" that "work" for you, but I just can't do that anymore.

For me, I find that it's so much more about open, ongoing communication with a lover, a friend, a Father.  If I'm dealing with something - fear, worry, finances, a certain sin, a job situation, confusion, anger... whatever... I find that I can bring it all out into the open with the God who already knows alllll about it!  In the same way, of course, I can share all my joys, loves, good times - everything - with this God who relates to all of it!

Many times, my communication with God about these things is simply for my own peace.  It's not as if the circumstances always change.  But very often my perspective, my outlook, will change as I lay it all at His feet.  I think it's absolutely all right to pray - to speak openly and confidently - about anything and everything with God.  If things change, then great!  If they stay the same - or even get worse - that doesn't mean God hasn't heard or isn't listening.  And it doesn't mean you have to stop talking with Him about it!

My point in all of this is that we are free to openly communicate with the One with whom we are joined.  We are free to be weak and open and vulnerable with Him, no matter what.  He's not surprised by anything we bring to Him!  He's not phased by it.  As we grow in being open with Him, sometimes our way of relating to Him will change over time.  I know my communication with God has changed dramatically over the years!  There's no "set" way to relate to God.  It's all by grace, and it's all about His loving care for us.  Just be yourself - your real self - with Him, and relax in His ever-presence and in His sufficiency.

1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.