How To Start A Daily Habit Of Talking To God

Talking to God can help you to be your best.  But before we go any further in this conversation, I invite you to reflect on who God is for you.

God is energy and spirit that connects us to everything animate and inanimate on earth.  God not only connects us to the world and also to the universe.

God is expressed through love, justice-making, and through each of us, even you!

If you explored all the world's great religions, you would find many beliefs and values in common.  However, each religion has its own unique story of how God continues to animate the world.

No religion or belief system knows everything about God because God will always remain mysterious and surprising. Talking to God should open you up and not close you down.

Every time you try to control God, you are imposing your belief system on others. Before you know it, you will be claiming that you have a unique line to God and that you can never be wrong.  

Self-righteousness is dangerous. Hitler and Mussolini are examples of what happens to people who think they have a special relationship with God and believe they know the ultimate truth.

Once you have a sense of who and what God is, you can begin to build a practice of talking to God every day. 

First, how do you want to talk with God?  There is no wrong or right way to speak with God. You can speak to God:

·         In silence

·         In meditation

·         By walking a labyrinth

·         By chanting

·         By singing

·         By dancing

·         By walking

·         Through rituals

·         Through prayer

·         By having a conversation

·         By looking into the eyes of another person

·         By creating something that reveals the holy

You need to find ways to talk with God that work for you.  If you are part of a faith tradition, you might want to speak to your religious leader to find out more about your spiritual practices and rituals.

Most importantly, find a spiritual practice that will inspire and encourage you.  At first, it may feel forced and awkward.  But over time, it will start to feel as important as eating. You will notice the difference when you do not do it.

Talking to God should wake you up to the spirit and give you inner peace.

Want to Learn More Ways to Connect to God without going to Church? Click Here

Here are 15 ways to make your spiritual practices a reality:

1.      Please choose the best time of day for you to make it happen.  Try to keep to your new routine.

2.      Find a place to practice where you will not be disturbed.  If you can not have privacy let those around you know what you are doing and ask them to give you the space you need.

3.      Choose a practice that helps you to stay focused.  You might find that visualization works best for you, or do you respond better to a voice.  Do you enjoy the silence, or does music help you to stay centred? You might find a traditional prayer that works for you, such as the Jesus Prayer or the Lord's Prayer.

4.      If you find it hard to stay still, you might find walking a labyrinth or going for a walk helps to keep your body calm and your mind quiet.

5.      Many people find guided meditations helpful.  One of the best Apps available for Android and IOS is called Insight Timer.  There is a free and paid version.

6.      Do you like to pray with others?  If this works for you, find a person to do this with you every day.  During Covid, you could do this over the phone or any audio/video platform.

7.      Even if you pray on your own, find a person to help you stay accountable to yourself and God. 

8.      When you start the practice, start with shorter prayer times and then gradually build up over time.

9.      You might want to include journaling or expressive artwork as part of your prayer time.

10.  Create a sacred space in your home, make it comfortable and visually pleasing. You might find it helpful to light a candle or candles every time you pray.

11.  If you enjoy incense, you might find the scent a powerful way to help you enter prayer.

12.  Essential oils can also enhance the prayer experience. Find a person who knows about the power of essential oils to help you choose scents that will work for you.

13.  Don't be afraid to try different practise until you find one that works well for you.

14.  Come to this time with an open heart.  If someone is trying to force you into doing something out of fear, find a different person to help you.

15.  Remember, God is not here to punish you but to encourage you and challenge you to be the person God made you be.

Want to Learn More about why it is hard to connect with God when things are going well? Click Here

It is not the end of the world if you miss a day, but do not allow yourself to get out of the habit. It might be because you have not found the proper spiritual practice or need a change if you are struggling. 

Talking to God does not mean all your wishes will come true.  You might not receive a miraculous cure, but there will be healing. 

Much about talking to God is learning to listen to God in silence. It is essential to stay open to surprises. God might get you to do something you never dreamed of doing.

Often God asks us to do things that bring up feelings of inadequacy. Think of Moses, who came up with many excuses, yet God still chose him and walked with him.

Over time your friends and family will notice a change in you.  They may experience you as more relaxed, calmer, a better listener, more hopeful and compassionate.

You will find the courage to do what God desires you to do.  Instead of fear leading your life, it will be the holy spirit guiding you in new directions.

Talking to God every day can change you and your family's life.  Be patient with yourself as you build this new practice into your life. Keep it fresh.  Notice when it is time for you to start something new.  Be as adventurous as you like. 

If insights, sensations, and feelings come up for you that do not make sense and trouble you, find a religious leader, spiritual director, coach or counsellor to help you understand how God is speaking to you.

Building this intimate relationship with God will help you never to feel completely alone again.  Enjoy the journey, and know it will take you to amazing places you never dreamed of going.

I am Roland Legge, an Identity Life Coach here to help you learn to talk to God.  You can join my private newsletter list for Free Advice and join my private Facebook page called “Discover the Enneagram” Click Here