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All parents look forward to the moment that their child speaks. The day we recognize the voice of our little one calling to us, we are completely filled with joy.

What if our child never spoke? There is great concern when our child’s words are delayed. Even if we can decipher what the child needs, we want to experience his voice.

Does God want to hear from us? The im- portance of prayer is often overlooked. We are quick to cry out to God when we think we are in trouble. However, prayer is more than a list of demands and promises. When a child’s only words are “Gimme!” or a friend’s conversation consists of only selfish negotiation, we feel less than appreciated. When our counsel is sought, gratitude is expressed, or just times spent sharing; we feel appreciated and a relationship is strengthened.

When was the last time you talked to God?

Having a conversation with God may seem to be a boring or difficult endeavor. It’s always easiest to start out by saying thank you. Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). As you recognize the personal and customized attention God gives, your gratitude grows, so will your desire to seek Him personally. An individual that appreciates you will enjoy spending time with you.

Does God have something to say to you?

If we want to know what God has to say, we can start by reading His letters to us. Reading the Bible is the best way to begin hearing from God. The Bible is full of men and women who talked to God —people who will inspire and strengthen us. The Bible is also full of God’s wonderful promises to us. Having a conversa- tion with God is possible and just as we want to hear from those we love, God wants to hear from us.

Dear God,

Help me to be more consistent in my praying. Help me to seek your counsel and show my gratitude. I love you.

Amen

WHAT IF GOD WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING TO YOU?

Prayer involves not only speaking to God, but listening to Him as well:
Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlast- ing covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Isaiah 55:3

God understands our prayers even when we don’t know what to say:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

Prayer is not just about material gain or being saved from an enemy; it is about God sharing Himself with us:
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

BE BLESSED!!

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