For many, the phrase "conversations with God" refers to the Neale Donald Walsch book of that title. Do I doubt that Mr. Walsch has dialogs with God? Not in the slightest. But I don't find conversing with God to be an exceptional or unusual occurrence. Is it miraculous to speak with God, to gain access to the wisdom of the ages, or just to ask God what he thinks about having maple syrup on your pancakes? Of course it is miraculous, but only in the sense that all of life is miraculous.Conversations with God are very different from the usual nature of prayer. Prayers are commonly only in one direction - the one praying speaks and hopes God is listening. Prayers also tend to focus on asking for specific things or outcomes one wants, rather than seeking to better understand the mind of God.
Some of you already have daily chats with God. Some, like my Mother while she was among us, have a daily talk with Jesus. Others, are sure that the idea of a personal two-way conversation with God is poppycock. For those who have not yet experienced an intimate exchange of thoughts and feelings with God, let me offer a few suggestions for beginning the process.
1. Don't expect a blinding light on the road to Damascus. Don't expect a booming voice offering you stone tablets with the Ten Commandments inscribed. For most of us, the voice of God is very subtle, and can only be heard when we pay attention and listen.
2. Believe. Because the voice of God is usually a quiet voice, the slightest degree of skepticism allows us to dismiss God's message as just a daydream or as the result of something we ate for breakfast.
3. For some, conversations with God occur spontaneously. For others, structure and intent work better. Try the following sequence and see if it helps:
... Exercise or take a quiet walk for at least half an hour to quiet your body.
... Stand or sit quietly while breathing deeply for five minutes to quiet your mind. If you know Qigong or Yoga, these are even more effective ways of quieting your body and mind.
... In total silence, sit with your back straight, your hands on your thighs with palms upward, and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your head slightly, close your eyes lightly, and raise your eyes. It is natural, and a sign that you are open to communication, if your eyelids begin to flutter.
... State your affirmation that you are in communication with God, and begin your conversation.
4. For some people, the voice of God expresses itself better in writing. Try holding a pen as you talk to God, and let His words flow onto your paper with as little thought as possible on your part.
Don't be discouraged if intimacy with God evades you at first. You are equally the child of God whether you are able to tune in to a personal dialog with God, or whether stress, worry, and fear interfere and create static on the line. Seek out others who do share intimate conversations with God and let them share with you the comfort they receive from direct communication.
9 comments:
Thank you, Mr Huie, for such a wonderful article! My mother talked to her heavenly Father every day until she passed away. I too used to talk to Him, but have not done so for a few years. Thank you for reminding me how beautiful it can be to have a personal relationship with Him!
I so agree with you! It has been so many years since I have done this! I have been too busy with work and home that God had taken a back seat in my life! I will fix my time to do it again. As a Good Father, He had not forgotten me, even as I continue to go on my everyday duties. Thank you for reminding me to re-connect that direct line to God and call Him, and talk to Him about just anything under the sun!
Has a young child began a special communation with god, at times he was the oonly one i could talk to. We forget as adult that he will always be there for us. And that we can do all thing though him,and that he loves us. thank you for reminding me that i am never without him. All i have to do is open the lines of communation, he will answer.
Having conversations with God is true, whether in conversation or writing. My dear wife of nearly 50 years passed away 2 years ago. I have seen her many times and have conversed with her. One morning last summer I woke up and wrote a letter from "the messenger", who named another wonderful woman who was sent to me to marry. My wife and I had known her for 30 years and she was a single parent mother for about 25 years. she and I were married last summer and plan to serve God in many villages in Africa in health care.
Thank you so much for sharing your miracle. Miracles truly are available to each of us.
I have talked to God all my life. He answers in His own way. You really do have to pay attention. I always take my dog out and tell him were are going for a walk with God. It is so special for the three of us. It is much more enjoyable. Jeannie. Thankyou Jonathan.
every morning, i get down on my knees and prayto God..then as i feel such a wqrm presence in my heart i start my day..i x-country ski and all the time i am out there in HIS nature...i am constantly amazed of the good things that come my way...it truly is a blessing to pray...but equally just chatting with our heavenly father assures us og guidance
This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing this post. I definitely write in my journal - I have a prayer diary (talking about #4). I communicate w/ Him a lot better if I write, but then again I also talk to Him each night before bedtime too.
Have a conversation with God 5 times a day thru SOLAT!!
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