8 Ways To Talk To God

Have you ever wanted to amp up your prayer-life, but really weren’t sure how?  Let’s take a look at some practical ways to help you tune in to The God of The Universe!  But before we get started, the Bible is very clear that we need to remove distractions, getting away from all the noise (Matthew 6:6).  So turn off your iPhone and spend some time with God.

1. Journal your prayers.

But don't just journal requests. Write out questions, heartaches and struggles. Don't forget to journal praises, too. Be creative. Put your prayers into poems. Write a letter to God. Then go back and read your journal entries in a week or a month. There's a good chance you'll be reminded of how God has answered your prayers. And when you're feeling down, your past praises remind you of God's goodness and love for you.

2. Take a prayer walk.

Hike in a forest preserve (e.g. Bark Camp) and praise God for his beautiful creation. Walk around your neighborhood and pray for the family in each home you pass. Or take a “prayer walk” on the sidewalk around your school during lunch or before/after school.

3. Pray over your calendar and schedule.

Got a test coming up? Pray for peace of mind. Pray for the players of Friday night's football or basketball game-both sides. Ask God to bring non-Christians to Youth Explosion or Winter Retreat.

4. Pray Scripture.

Let's say that during your Bible reading time you come across 1 Peter 5:7: “God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” Turn that verse into a prayer: “Lord, I'm going to trust you and give you all my worries. I know you will take care of me.” Do this with Scriptures that express needs and also with those that praise or thank God. Hey, why not personalize the Lord's Prayer? Take each sentence or phrase from this well-known prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and write it in a way that applies directly to your life.  You can do the same with a Psalm (e.g. Psalm 23).

5. Pray about the news.

We all see things in this world that we hope will be different, or we wished never happened.  When you read or hear about a troubling issue, pray for the people involved. Pray for politicians and other national and community leaders who make the news.  Maybe pray each time you see an ambulance, fire truck or police car blaring down the road (for the people involved, the families of the person hurting, the medical personnel, etc).

6. Partner up.

Find someone to pray with regularly. Plan to meet at Starbucks once or twice a week, or get together before school. Praying with a friend is great for personal accountability. It's also a cool way to take a friendship to a deeper level.

7. Be quiet.

If prayer is a conversation, then you also need to listen in silence. And silence means getting away from distractions like music and TV. A quiet, little-used corner at the St. C Library could be the best place. As you listen, don't expect to hear a voice. But do expect God to tug at your heart, move your conscience/convictions, or help you realize something you need to do or change.

8. Keep a prayer on your lips.

Dozens of thoughts pass through your mind daily. You daydream. You may think bad or gossipy thoughts. Turn those daydreams and not-so-great thoughts into prayers. Ask God to help a person hurt by gossip. Ask him to forgive you for thoughts that take your mind places it shouldn't go. Turn daydreams and other passing thoughts into moments to recognize God's presence in your life. As you learn to keep a prayer on your lips, you'll come a little closer to understanding what it means when Scripture tells up to “Pray continually” (I Thessalonians 5:17).

Now What?

Hopefully, this will give you a place to start in conversing with The Almighty God.  I know that it may seem intimidating at times, but try it out, see what happens.  Maybe there is one way that you really connect with.  The point is for you to find a way to better get to know your God.