Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 8/16/2006

Question
Hi Stuart, thanks for the thought-provoking reply.  Maybe I can tell you how I pray.  I too started only praying to God to ask him for big favors in a few times of trouble, then to thank him for the good things that happened.  Now my family & I pray before dinner, & I sometimes pray before my lunches.  Sometimes when I get free time I’ll pray.  Nowadays I talk to Jesus like he’s up there somewhere listening.  I’ll ask Him to help me understand what He wants of me.  I ask Him for guidance & help with my everyday life.  But for me it is frustrating because I don’t know if He’s talking back.  Any tips?

Answer
Hi Greg,
I am glad my last response was of some help. Like any relationship, developing one with God is not an exact science. It comes from spending time with Him and you have started well. There are some things that might help you. First it is good to get into the habit of consciously looking for God's communication with you. He can speak through the beauty of a sunset, the kindness of a friend, the trusting nature of children etc.
Secondly you need to read the bible, particularly the New Testament. John's Gospel is a great place to start because it has in it a lot of hints about how God speaks to us through His Spirit. Remember what I said last time about having to learn about living by the Spirit.
Also I don't always find the idea of Jesus 'up there' very helpful. Sometimes I put a chair opposite me and imagine Jesus sitting there. I start talking and I am amazed how clarity comes. I know it is His Spirit to mine but the imagination that He is sitting there sometimes helps.
I don't know if you belong to a church but if not, find one that is bible believing and open to the Holy Spirit. God often communicates through one another.
Beyond this it is a matter of perseverence. Jesus told parables about the need to persevere in prayer. The more we 'practise' the better it gets, though there are always a few lulls.
Well I hope this is helpful and I really do hope and pray that you will find yourself drawing closer and closer to God.
Stuart Woodward