HOW DO I HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GOD?

How Do I Have a Conversation with God?

by Janis Cox

How do I have a conversation with God?
How do I have a conversation with God?

How do your conversations with God go? Mine have been weird lately. I had that “cluttered mind” that could not seem to focus on anything in particular. I said my routine prayers for my different groups (family, friends, writers’ groups). But something was missing.

I found I needed to go back to the basics. I needed to find some way to keep my mind focused on Him.

Here are three ways I tried in the past week:

1. Three Word Prayers

Margaret Feinberg, in her book Wonderstruck, has a great chapter on prayer. I recalled that she found that 3 word prayers made her focus more on exactly what she was trying to say. For instance, as I had concerns this week over a friend I found myself saying:

 

  • help, give, peace
  • surround with love
  • bring family near

 

2.  An Acronym for Prayer – ACTS

This is one of the first planned prayers that I learned. A – Adoration; C -Confession; T- Thanksgiving; S – Supplication (asking).

Here is what I wrote in my journal:

Adoration: Oh Father, I know You are there. I believe in Jesus. I see Your hand everywhere. I feel Your touch. You are so BIG, POWERFUL, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE. I am starting to breathe. Thank you.

Confession: Oh I need to get the bottom of my problem. Obsession – yes I have an obsession with the computer at the moment. I need to find a way to time myself for what I need to do. Keep me organized so I don’t over do the computer time.

Thankfulness: Yes yes I am so thankful. I am thankful for my fingers, my toes, my eyes, my ear, and the rest of my body. I am thankful for my friends and family; for our finances (Your money God); for our home, our food, our every day blessings; for my writing friends (and I named those who mean so much to me).

Supplication: Although I really miss my family and friends in Canada help me to make new ones here. Show me how to do the blogging effectively and how to enjoy life outside of the computer.

Thank you for lifting me up Lord – and I know You will continue to do that.

BREATHE

3. Make a poem to express how you feel.

So I did.

Rise up
Spread your wings
Be filled with the Spirit
Laugh

All that you do is life
So choose wisely

I seek You
Reveal Yourself to me
Help me see Your wonder
Help me aware of it.

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Jan Cox

Janis Cox - Author and Illustrator

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. Jan has completed a children’s book called Tadeo Turtle. She is the watercolour illustrator. Word Alive has published Tadeo Turtle. See more information at Jan’s Website.

 

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11 comments

  1. Thank you for every other fantastic post. The place else may
    just anyone get that type of information in such a
    perfect manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent
    week, and I am at the look for such information.

    1. Thanks Margaret,
      Said the 3 word prayer again this morning. Very hard to keep it flowing sometimes. Just love reading your book – SLOWLY – soaking it up. Plan on reading it again once I am done. So happy that your books are now available.
      Blessings,
      Janis http://www.janiscox.com

  2. AMEN – some excellent books have been written by my former boss at Every Home for Christ, Dick Eastman. He is a prayer guy from way back and shares insights and helps in a very reader friendly fashion.

  3. I struggle with the same thing at times and my mind seems to be running in a million different directions when I sit down to pray. I usually write out my prayers. It helps me stay focused and slows down my thoughts to the pace of my pen. Slowing down also allows time for the Lord to speak and for me to be able to hear Him. Thanks for your suggestions on prayer.

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