In this post: How do you talk to God? Is prayer just a nice formality or can you talk to God like a friend? Learn how to talk to God here.
Do you have times when you know you should pray, but for some reason, you can’t get yourself to start? Sometimes, it can be hard to pray. Other times it is hard to come up with things to say that aren’t just repetitive from your last prayer. Here are 10 tips for how to talk to God.
Is Talking to God the Same as Praying?
Yes, because in its simplest form, praying is simply talking to God.
What Does the Bible Say About Talking to God?
God wants us to talk to Him and He wants us to communicate with Him.
In Matthew 6: 9-13 Jesus tells us how to pray when he gives us the Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
But we can also come to God with our prayers and petitions. Here’s how to make your prayer time better.
How to Talk to God: 10 Tips to Make Your Prayer Time Better
1. Talk Like You’re Talking to Your Best Friend
Sometimes it’s okay to talk to God like you are talking to your best friend, the one you know you can share about anything with no judgment at all. He is both the powerful, almighty God, as well as your best friend.
He knows everything you are going through and wants you to share it with Him. He is always there to listen to you no matter the time or situation. God simply wants to converse with you. Try thinking of Him as a friend when you next pray. This can help you relax and feel more comfortable praying.
2. Get Physically Comfortable
While there are certainly times to kneel when you pray, you don’t always have to.
Now that your mind is more comfortable, try to get physically comfortable too. Grab a pillow for your knees when you kneel so they don’t hurt as bad and rest your head on the side of the bed if you need to.
When you are utterly exhausted and can’t get yourself out of bed to pray, pray to God laying down. He knows your heart and your desires; He will be okay with it. He would much rather have you pray than forgo it because you can’t get on the floor.
3. Write a List Beforehand
Sometimes when our minds are so jumbled up, it can be hard to think of anything to say when we pray. If that’s the case, try making a list beforehand!
This takes off the pressure of trying to remember everything you want to pray for, so you can enjoy the conversation and feel His love.
4. Remember to Listen
How often do you take time to pause and listen to what God is telling you? We sometimes forget that this is a two-way conversation. We would never expect our dad to only listen to what we say and never give a response; we cannot think that way about God either.
He loves to listen to you, but He is also there to help you and give you answers. When you ask for something, take a breath and just listen. What is He telling you? Do you feel peace and comfort when you pause?
5. Pray Often
The more you pray, the more natural it will seem, and you will have a greater desire to pray.
If you haven’t spoken to God in a while, maybe start with one prayer right before bed. Once that becomes a habit, slowly add in more prayers until it becomes your first thought after something happens. Ultimately, we want to pray when we are happy and during the hard times.
6. Look to Scripture for Answers
Maybe praying is hard because you don’t feel like you are receiving answers. If that is the case, turn to your Bible.
Sometimes God will answer our prayers through the verses we read. Prayer and studying the scriptures go hand in hand!
7. Believe God Will Answer You
Sometimes we ask for miracles but don’t expect them in return.
Have you ever thought: “God didn’t help me last time, why would He help me this time?” If you have felt this, it is harder to pray when you are going through something difficult.
Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)
Don’t ask for anything in your prayer unless you truly believe God will answer and bless you. This does take a lot of faith, but, as the scriptures teach, faith like that will move the mountains. Ask for something small you know He will bless you with, and slowly work your way up until you have more faith.
8. Be Grateful
Take a moment to think about your last prayer. How many things did you ask for? Now, how many things did you give thanks for?
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7
Try to give at least one prayer a day that is only for sharing what you are grateful for. This helps show how much you love and appreciate God. It also will help you recognize His hand in your life and all the blessings He truly has given you. We naturally want a better relationship with someone who blesses us.
9. Schedule in Time for Prayer
Sometimes life gets too busy and filled with distractions and we forget that we need to have regular time with God.
Schedule a time each day where you kneel and talk to God. God loves when we deliberately make time for Him. We usually will read our Bible at the same time each day; why not do the same for prayers?
Maybe this is when you first get up in the morning or at night when you go to sleep. Or have a heartfelt conversation with God right before you study His words. Find a time that fits with your schedule and stick to it.
10. Just Talk
If you are struggling with things to say in your prayer, just don’t stop talking. Share every thought that comes into your head with Him. I found this was the only way to fit in God time and have any kind of prayer life when the kids were little.
Soon enough, you will feel like you are having a natural conversation with someone, which will only help you better communicate with God.
God loves us and always wants to hear from us. Praying can feel like a natural conversation if you draw closer to Him. Use these ten tips to strengthen your prayers and communication with God, and enjoy the blessings that come from it.
My Favorite Faith Resources:
- Bible Journaling Supplies
- Devotionals
- Christian Living Books
- Power of Prayer
More Faith-Building Articles
How is your prayer time looking these days?
