Monday, March 28, 2016

TALK TO ME


Conversation.

I think it's a dying art.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about communication.

We have plenty of that!

Technology has made it possible to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world.

And the wonders of social media aren't all bad.

Personally, I'm not on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or any number of other avenues of social media communication.

But, I do love the *instant-ness* of texting(especially the world of emojis that has opened up for me with the purchase of my new phone!)

And, I am grateful for Blog Land.

I appreciate the gift of written words and the power of their impact.

But, there's a downside to this culture of instant communication.  I believe we've lost the art of face-to-face conversation.  (Though I am encouraged when I see people conversing over their $25 cups of coffee at *$'s…)


I looked up the definitions:

Communication: the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people

Conversation: verbal talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, implying a close familiarity

Conversation is more intentional.

Conversation is more personal.

Conversation is more meaningful.


I recently read a blog post about prayer.

It talked about paying attention to it, and questioning whether we're really conversing with God or just going through the motions.

It convicted me.

Sure, conversation with God is a bit more challenging because He's invisible.

But this doesn't make Him less real.

So as I pondered my relationship with Him, specifically as it concerns prayer, I discovered some things.


First of all, prayer should be a priority.

It's not meant to be an afterthought or an add-on to all the other "spiritual" things I do.

It must be an intentional pursuit.

Jesus didn't take prayer lightly.

He made it the cornerstone of His faith walk with the Father.

And, it often took priority over more "pressing" matters – like noisy crowds and complaining disciples.

Am I concentrating on removing myself for intentional time in prayer?

You know, I could really do with some improvement in this area.

Yes, there is a time and place for *arrow* prayers, and for short snippets of communication with God.

It's OK to kinda *text* Him throughout the day.

But prayer must never be at the bottom of my to-do list.


Second, prayer should be conversation, not just communication.

It's meant to be personal.

God desires that we talk WITH Him, not just AT Him.

He wants a dialogue, not a monologue.

It really helps me to picture the Lord sitting beside me when I talk to Him, just like any other friend.  I picture looking into His eyes, and really being transparent and honest.

Being real…myself.

Sharing my innermost thoughts and most intimate feelings.

But again, conversation is not meant to be a one-way street.

This means that part of prayer is listening to God speak.

For He is an active partner in my prayer life.

He has things to say.  

He wants to be transparent and honest.  He wants to share His innermost thoughts and intimate feelings.

He wants to be real…Himself.

Am I doing all the talking, or am I having a personal, give-and-take conversation with God?

I can do better.


Finally, prayer should be meaningful.

I don't know about you, but in my opinion communication these days seems to be fluff – lots of content, but little substance.

In an instant, we can see a selfie, read a tweet, place a message on a wall.

But honestly, does it really enhance my life to know that so-and-so is doing this-and-that and going here-and-there?

And am I doing that sort of thing with God?

Am I only giving Him tossed-out fragments of my life?

And is that meaning anything to me (or Him) at all?

I've always been a person who enjoys serious conversation.  I'd much rather talk with one person than mingle with a crowd.  And, I don't enjoy staying on the surface – I like my conversations to go beyond superficial or frivolous trading of information.

I want my conversations to go deeply inward.

I want meaning.

And of course, this is how my prayer life should be.


You know, as I ponder this whole thing about prayer, there is one thing that really helps me understand it.

It's putting myself in the place of God.

How does HE feel about it all?

I can only liken it to my relationship with my own children.

And as I ponder what I want out of my relationship with them, and how I want our communication to be, I believe that I gain some valuable insight into how God feels about prayer.

(If you don't have children, try to picture someone in your life that you love, that you're in a relationship with.  I know you can ask the same questions…)


How hard would it be if they rarely talked to me at all?

And what if they were always too busy, in a rush, or distracted when we finally did speak to one another?

What if I wasn't a priority?

Wouldn't I feel lonely and ignored?


How might I feel if they talked to me like I was a stranger?

Or if they did all the talking and never let me share myself?

Wouldn't I feel sad?


And what would it feel like if they only talked to me when they needed or wanted something from me?

What if they never talked to me just for the delight of conversation?

And honestly, wouldn't I grow tired if every time we spoke they were upset, complaining, slightly angry with me, disappointed in something, impatient, or any other negative feeling?

Wouldn't I wish to also hear their joy, and excitement, and laughter?


How much would it hurt to think that they took me for granted?  

("Oh yeah, Mom's always there")

And what if they never spoke about their appreciation for my presence in their lives?

Or never told me they loved me?

Wouldn’t I feel dejected by that?


Thinking this way really makes me stop and think about how I talk to God.

And then I begin to understand how our conversations are supposed to be.

Intentional.

Personal.

Meaningful.

God wants to hear from me just the way I want to hear from my own children.

Frequently, in appreciation, just for fun, in need or want, honestly, and affectionately.


Yes, when it comes right down to it, prayer really isn't that mysterious.

It's just God and us and open hearts.

Quick chats and deep dialogue.

One-on-one, back-and-forth, give-and-take, talking and listening.

Two people who deeply love each other, desiring each other's company, just sitting down to share with one another.


Talk to God.

Listen to Him.

And be forever changed by the conversation!



How's your prayer life – are you having real conversation with God?






I just called to say
I love you.
I just called to say
how much I care.
I just called to say
I love you.
And I mean it
from the bottom
of my heart.

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them.



(Lyrics by Stevie Wonder)







This is a lot of Scripture, but it's oh-so-good!


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:6, NIV)

"Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, NLT)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14, NIV)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'" (Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…" (Colossians 4:2, NASB)

"'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.'" (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)

"'But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.'" (Matthew 6:6, NLT)

"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

"In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears." (Psalm 18:6, AMP)

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27, NASB)

"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." (1 Peter 4:7, NIV)

"The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God – it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." (James 5:16, AMP)

"Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NLT)

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night…" (Psalm 92:1-2, NASB)

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17, KJV)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, AMP)


"Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) 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 debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."

(Matthew 6:9-13, AMP)



Linked with: 

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, GRACE MOMENTS, THE LOFT LINKUP, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOPTHOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, WEEKEND WHISPERS, REFLECT LINKUP, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

39 comments:

  1. Your post here was so convicting to me, Sharon. I've been seeking to be more intentional about my prayer life, and what you've stated here is the key - conversation means both talking and listening in love. That is truly what the Father wants from us. I'm inspired by your words to simply talk with Him each and every day. Thank you!

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  2. Very thought provoking post Sharon. I would expect that we all could use more conversations with our God. Too often mine are a one way street......too much talking, not enough listening! I really benefit from Facebook and texting, but miss the verbal chats! Thanks for sharing this with us.......blessings to you.

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  3. This is SO true. Prayer is so precious to me. I honestly don't know where I would be without it or what I would do if I didn't keep that conversation going all the time. I love the thoughts you shared, as always. Have a blessed day!

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  4. I tend to have one sided conversations with God and you know whose doing all the talking. I need to listen more I do believe.

    betty

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  5. Hi Sharon! Hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration!
    I like the distinction you made between a conversation and communication. I do try to talk to God during my chores and daily events, but you are so right. It's really more one-sided. It's not like I'm waiting for a reply or anything.
    True communication is about give and take, talking and listening. You made that very clear.
    I do love a good cup of coffee at Starbucks, and good conversation with friends and family. Love that place!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  6. Great post! I found you on the good morning Mondays blog hop. You have convicted me! I am very one sided in my prayers - thank you for the reminder that prayer isn't meant to be something said quickly before diving into dinner.

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  7. Oh, so good. I can always count on you to tell it like it is! Thanks for using your gift for communication here!

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  8. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing this post! You have such a tender heart toward God. I wish you many meaningful conversations with the Lord. Visiting from Literacy Musings Mondays. God bless!

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  9. Can you text God? One things I said i wouldn't do and find myself doing more and more is texting. I wonder if I text Him if He will answer?

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  10. Wonderful honesty, Sharon! I wish you and I could sit down and have a conversation--wouldn't that be such fun?!!! Your comparison of our conversations with God to our conversations with our children is spot on!!! Great insights! Thanks so much!

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  11. Oh yeah ... truly inspirational Sharon ... deep conversation, I love that and the connection to prayer. Also loved how you compared to our conversations (hopefully) with our own children! Spot on!!! Thank you Sharon, not only was this a beautiful illustration of meaningful prayer but also our conversations rather than communication of our own thoughts alone. Love me some dialog with the King, but sadly I try to listen and HEAR but as you've read ... I struggle with this. Thank you for your heart and honesty as ALWAYS! (that's why my Weds. walks are so important ... learning to others who HEAR) ... Bless you!~Peggy

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    1. that should read "learning FROM others who HEAR" ... hopped right on over to read more with your "grateful thoughts" to find out about your Resurrection celebration day and last week:flowers to taxes (really?) ... {sorry about the battle and the taxes} thank you for your Good Friday thoughts ... but no family sharing ... except the special birthday cards and precious flowers! I agree that "Breaking Free" is not only a great study but also very powerful though ever so difficult. Thanks for sharing your gratitude!

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  12. I like thinking about prayer vs. talking with my kids. I like all the points you made about the joys, laughter, excitement of their life and nix the complaining. This is divulging of what I don't want to go on in my prayer closet. Or how about telling Him how He can fix it all? I would hate it if my kids talked to me that way---"Well, if you loved me you would..." Thank God they don't go there. But do I with God? Yikes. I better re-read those verses on prayer again!!!! Love this so much, sis.

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  13. Thanks for this Sharon. We all need more conversations with God.

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  14. Wow, that is convicting and so true! I was thinking about how I really enjoy conversing with my best friends, but our best conversations are when we give each other our full attention and minimize distractions. Do I really converse with God like that? Definitely something to ponder. Great message and I love all those verses on prayer :)

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  15. And when we pray ... do we tell God what to do? You'd be surprised how many people are willing to serve God in an advisory capacity.

    God bless.

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  16. Love this, Sharon Will be sharing it with my online prayer group. Hugs

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  17. I would consider myself a pretty social person, yet there is definitely a part of me that would prefer to be alone...and those are times I converse with my Father. They are usually unplanned because the planned ones never seem to go off very well. I love the part where you said it's OK to "text" God throughout the day. Oh...and I loved that Stevie Wonder thing you threw in there at the end too. One more thing...I would love to sit with you and have a deep conversation...after we stop laughing :)

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  18. Beautiful words... and a great reminder of who is most important in our lives, and to spend our time talking to HIM and them! :)

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  19. Sharon...you are so right! This is important to know and walk the difference between communication and conversation. In prayer and in sharing with others, we need to have some face-time. Some open-the-mouth and love time. Thanks for this so much.

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  20. Such a great post. Yes, prayer is about conversation and listening. It's us communication with God--but it's also about God communicating with us. Thanks for the reminder. Found you at the #TellHisStory link up!

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  21. Yes I agree, I do like having the opportunity to text when needed. I am on Facebook but getting very board by it. I like Instagram but only post a photo if I'm traveling. I too still love the land of Blog!!! Yes the Face to Face is dying and that to me is very sad for the younger generations. I've never had a set time for prayer but I do talk with God all day and especially when I go to bed at night. I like your thoughts on thinking of it like your relationship with your children and how you would feel. Because of my daughter's issues with herself there are days when she doesn't talk to me and she lives here in our home. It hurts!

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  22. This one hits home. Too often the prayers are lists to check off that I've covered the obligations of prayer. Not to mention I struggle to listen.

    Using the analogy of our children always puts matters into perspective. Painful perspective.

    Thanks for the lesson and reminder. It's a true and rare heart that listens intently.

    Thanks, Sharon.

    And the *$'s? Too clever!

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  23. I will read this several times tonight. My kids and grandkids are at my house and all came to the hospital. I'm going to read this again tonight. XO

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  24. So, so true. What has happened to eye-to-eye contact during a conversation. Although me and some friends are still old school when it comes to talking, it's sad to see some people losing the sense of proper conversation. What with all the distractions of social media.

    Thanks for sharing this. Very enlightening.

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  25. Hi friend! I would love to have one of those deep conversations with you. I don't do small talk well, or at least I don't feel true and honest when trapped into surface conversation. It is a necessary cordiality I perform. Comparing this to prayer truly hits the mark. Of late, with so much going on in my life, I admit those deep convo sessions have been fewer. Need to dig those wells. I'm thankful the Lord is as close as my armchair.
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  26. Your post came at a pertinent time for me. I tend to want the house empty and focused time alone in my little prayer spot in order to pray. The last two weeks I've had grandkids around and a painter who's doing some work for us in and out of the house. So, I used that as an excuse to not pray like I should.

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  27. Meeting up with you from Suzie's at #livefreeThursday. Your quotes all over the page, the Scriptures, this post, and you are a Friend of Narnia. The more I scroll, the more I feel I've found a kindred spirit. (Pretty sure you know that one too.) I can talk but conversing is an art that I have to continually work on. Thank you for a well-written, convicting piece and a lovely site.

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  28. The lack of conversation, so true in today's world. Yes, we communicate but we rarely talk to one another. Same goes with God, He longs for conversation with us and how guilty we are at times of neglecting Him while we pursue others. Thanks for the reminder.

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  29. Great post on prayer, Sharon! You gave a lot for us to think about. I agree about comparing how our children talk to us and how we pray to the Father. Would we want them to be the same?

    Thanks for sharing at The Loft.

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  30. What an inspiration to consider conversation as an art. Perhaps an almost lost art. It should be a two way street in both speaking and listening. Some would take up all the time as they love to hear their own voice. I find the telephone is good for my daughter and me. I must admit, I love Face Book. Our conversations are short but we understand the thought. Now with prayer. God would like to get a word in edgewise some of the time. I woke this morning and the Holy Spirit spoke and told me to take some magnesium. I am on a 12 day medicine for my hacking coughing and congestion, and I realize I am probably being robbed of other minerals too. I heeded the message and told my husband. He smiles and looks at me, but that is alright. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  31. Thanks for this great post! I love how you compare our prayer life with our communication with our kids... so very true! Prayer is so important, yet I know I am guilty of pushing it down my priority list often... I'm awfully grateful for a loving, patient Heavenly Father! Stopping by from Word of God Speak—blessings to you!

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  32. "God wants a dialogue, not a monologue". I love that! I certainly need to work on my prayer life. Thank you for such a lovely post at The Loft.

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  33. Read this earlier in the week but didn't have the time to stop and leave a comment Sharon. You always give us something meaty to chew on infused with lessons from our daily life. Even as a person who deems myself as not much of talker, I do not like it when the other person gives me no opportunity to share and how much must it grieve God's heart when I rattle off my list? Appreciate this reminder to reassess and realign my conversations with Christ. Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  34. Nice reminder and reset. Lots to consider!
    Cleaned out a closet recently. Cluttering the walls with verses.
    Here we go, God! ;-)

    <><
    Linda Ann
    Heart of a Ready Writer

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  35. Sharon, I want a conversation with God that is Intentional, Personal, and Meaningful. Thank you for this encouragement. Thanks for sharing your heart with Thankful Thursdays.

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  36. communication with God needs to be intentional for it to be truly beneficial. Thanks for sharing with #TheCozyReadingSpot

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  37. Awesome words of wisdom, Sharon! Prayer and communication with God is so important. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)