How to talk to God
Summer 2023
In the last Kids’ Corner article, we talked about spending time with the Lord each day and reading the Bible. We need to read the Bible to hear what God has to say to us. But God also wants us to talk to Him. He wants us to pray.
Think about what that means. The God who made all things, who is infinitely holy, wise, good, and all-powerful, wants us to talk to Him! But how do we talk to God? How do we pray?
To begin, we need to pray for salvation from our sins. Until our sin problem has been dealt with, we have no right to expect God to hear our prayers. But when we place our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we become God’s children and can then come to God as children coming to a loving father.
Most earthly fathers love their children. They want to take care of them and do them good. But the best earthly fathers are only human. Sometimes they are busy or tired. Sometimes they are unable to do what they would like to do. Sometimes, despite their best intentions, they make mistakes.
But our heavenly Father is never too busy. He can do anything, He never makes mistakes, and His love for us never changes. We can come to God without fear of being turned away. We can know that He will listen to us and that He will answer us in the best possible way.
So how do we pray? Let me suggest a few simple points.
Be quiet. Find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. Put other things out of your mind. Think about what you are doing as you come before the holy God of the universe who is also your loving heavenly Father.
Be thankful. Praise God for who He is and for what He has done. Thank Him for what He has done for you. Thank Him for the promises He has given in His Word.
Be sorry. Ask God to forgive you for the sins you have committed. Ask Him to search your heart and show you the things that need to be changed and ask Him to change them.
Be confident. Believe that He will forgive your sins (1 John 1:9) and that He will hear and answer your prayers. Ask Him for the things that you need. Remember to ask Him for spiritual things (such as help to keep from sinning or a better attitude towards your sisters and brothers) as well as practical things (help with your schoolwork, healing for someone who is sick, etc.). Tell the Lord about whatever is on your heart. If you have sad feelings, if you are afraid, or if you are confused about something, tell the Lord about it, and know that He cares and that He will help you.
Let’s review. When you pray, quiet your heart, and then raise your heart to God in praise and thanks. Search your heart and seek forgiveness, and then pour out your heart to your loving heavenly Father. Always remember that God knows what is best and that His answers will be the best for you even if you don’t understand at the time. He is a great and good God. What a privilege to be able to talk to Him!
Mrs. Judy Brown