Fervent Communication: The Practice of Speaking and listening

Have you ever found yourself rambling in prayer? You meant to start off giving adoration, but you realized that you were just venting. There is nothing wrong with venting, but please realize that it is not the same thing as prayer. We can have regular conversations with God about anything, but prayer is strategic effective communication that brings us closer to him and allows the Father to deal with our hearts. We often miss the very components of prayer that bring about transformation. First, we have to realize that prayer is a two-way street. Then, we have to understand how to pour out our true hearts to him. Finally, understanding the art of listening is very key.

It's a Two-Way Street

Communicating with God is a two-way street. Don't do all of the talking. As we pray, we should start by using Psalm 100:4 as a guide, which tells us to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise..." Start by thanking the Father for who he is and all that he has done and will do. Give him love and adoration before going into requests. How often do we leave prayer and start doing other things without pausing to listen? After strategically praying about one point, pause or praise quietly before moving on to the next point.

Pour out your true heart

We have to share our true feelings. God knows us anyway. Confess and be honest. God is fully aware of our innermost thoughts and emotions, even before we articulate them. When we share our true feelings, we engage in a profound dialogue with our creator, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and honest. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” God is intimately concerned for each of us, so speak to him like he is who he is: a loving father who can handle all of you. Examine Psalm 142:1-2. In this passage, David provides a compelling example of how to communicate with God in times of distress. David’s communication with God reminds us that God is always ready to listen and respond to our cries.

The art of listening

If you naturally cut others off when they’re talking, you probably unknowingly do it to God as well. Let's practice pausing before we respond. Ask God what’s on his heart. This encourages us to seek understanding beyond our own desires and thoughts. The phrase “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying” (Rev. 2:7; Rev. 2:17; and Rev. 2:29; Matt. 11:15 and Mark 4:23) serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment. There are times when we think we know God, and we never stop to realize that he has a totally different perspective on things. Expect a quiet voice, nudge, imprint in your heart, or illumination in your mind. These are the various ways in which God may communicate with us, often in unexpected and gentle manners.

James 5:Prayer is powerful and effective

When we say to "speak what the word says," we are emphasizing the importance of aligning our speech and thoughts with the truths found in scripture. God has to honor what he said. By speaking the word, we reinforce the promises and principles that God has laid out for us. Also, we have to allow his will to be established in our hearts to bring about an inner transformation in us. Prayer doesn't just change things; it changes us. It cultivates a deep, personal relationship with God that influences our desires and decisions. We also have to go to him empty, meaning approach God without preconceived notions, biases, or the heavy burdens of societal expectations.

Receive Peace

The exhortation to "not be anxious" is a powerful reminder of the peace that can be found in faith. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged to bring our concerns and worries before God in prayer, trusting that He will provide a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not merely the absence of anxiety; it is a profound sense of calm and assurance that comes from knowing that God is in control. By choosing to live in his peace, we actively reject the anxiety that often arises from life's uncertainties. Instead of allowing stress to dictate our thoughts and actions, we can cultivate a mindset of trust and reliance on God's promises.