When was the last time you talked with God? Had a nice little chat with the big guy upstairs? No, but really—when was the last time you sat down and really opened up your heart to God? I wish I could say I have a habit of doing this every day and the last time I did this was just five minutes ago. But that's definitely not the case. I know, you're busy, right? But instead of taking a social media break during your homework, why don't you close your textbook and update God about what's going on in your life? Sure, sure, sure, he already knows what's happening in your life, but are you the one telling him? Or are you keeping Him at a distance? You see, it doesn't matter that God already knows what's going in your life. There's a huge difference when you let down your guard and dish out all the wonderful, difficult, heartbreaking, joyful, confusing stuff life throws at you directly to the Lord.
Ever wonder why you feel so much better when you cry to your parents about how that professor totally made you feel stupid? Or how that phone call about a job interview feels 10 times sweeter when you tell your friends? The simple act of sharing what's going on in our lives, good or bad, brings us closer to the people in our lives. This brings us stability and comfort. So why not do that with God?
I know, I know, prayer is just a bunch of stuff that's already written down for you and you just repeat it and it's boring, blah blah blah. As a traditional Lutheran, I have a deep appreciation for those prayers, but my relationship with God and my attitude toward personal prayer changed dramatically when I realized that every prayer is just a conversation with God. You're just talking. How easy is that? Some of my best, most fulfilling prayers have been when I'm just lying in bed, thinking about my day, my life, anything. This doesn't have to be hard, but we seem to make it that way.
Every time I stop what I'm doing and just tell God what's going on with me, I promise you that my day always becomes so much better. God instills a new energy in me after we talk. I feel like I can handle my stress better, my heart softens, and I treat the people around me better. The best part of this is that I feel more confident about talking with God on a regular basis. It doesn't seem so scary anymore, so I do it more without even thinking. I feel a closer bond with my Heavenly father every time I put my focus on Him alone, even if it's just for five minutes. A simple chat with the One who created you changes your life for the better. It can never be the other way around, so let's pray more.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, you don't have to get down on your knees every time and do all the things you think make a good prayer. Every prayer is good. Every prayer is important. Every prayer is heard. God hears you. You are His child. Go chat with your good, good father who loves you. He is always there to listen.
"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." -Jeremiah 29:12
