Have you ever been so stressed or so troubled that you didn’t even know how to approach God with your problem? It’s okay, we’ve all been in situations that seemed hopeless, or we felt so guilty we didn’t know how to speak to the Lord, but it’s okay.
God is always here for us and wants us to bring our troubles to his feet.
He understands how difficult it can be to speak to him sometimes, but that’s why we have some really great ways to prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally before we approach him.
Please consider this extremely helpful list provided by Crosswalk the next time you find yourself having trouble talking to God:
Start by Opening Your Heart
One of the best ways to commune with the Lord is through worship.
Choose your favorite hymn, play a beautiful song of worship or offer God your praises in silence. No matter what method of worship you choose, communicating to God your heart of thanks and humble desire will prepare you for prayer.
Even when words fail us, God knows our hearts. Soften yours with worship and give God all that binds you. Through this, you will be freed.
Through him, let us offer God an unending sacrifice of praise, the fruit of the lips of those who acknowledge his name. – Hebrews 13:15
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely.” Proverbs 3:5
Consider All God Has Done
God is in everything we see and do – but how often do we acknowledge him?
Take a moment to consider the things God has done in your life. What is the silver lining of each difficult situation you encountered in the last day or few hours? What possible positive can be gleaned from your times of pain?
These moments of good are evidence of God at work in your life. If you were late to work, consider the fatal accident God may have saved you from had you been on time. If you suffer pain from an illness, thank the Lord for the parts of you that remain healthy.
By understanding God is moving in your life, you are opening yourself up to speak to him. Suddenly, your walls are down, and you can pray to the Lord.
For I, the Lord, your God, I grasp you by your right hand; I tell you, “Do not be afraid, I shall help you.” – Isaiah 41:13-14
Reflect and Share
How are you doing God’s work? Are you sharing the Gospel? Are you giving to those in need? What about leadership? Have you taken anyone under your wing? Have you taught your children to love the Lord?
If you aren’t sharing the Bible or Jesus with people and if you aren’t doing what you know you must, this is the perfect opportunity to ask the Lord for help.
Whether you are asking for help or sharing how you’ve been moving in his kingdom, you are communicating with God, and are therefore praying successfully.
All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright. – 2 Timothy 3:16
Ask What You Need to Ask
Sometimes the easiest way to talk to God is to admit you need something – or a lot of somethings.
Do you need help keeping your mind pure? With a difficult boss? Do you need God to intervene on your behalf so you can sleep at night or so you can walk around town without crippling anxiety?
There are so many reasons we need God’s help!
No matter how big or small your request is, God will hear you. It’s important we do our best to meet God halfway, but when we really need him, he is always there.
Never worry about anything; but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer and petition shot through with gratitude – Philippians 4:6
This is so helpful. Thank you and God bless you.
This is so helpful. Thank you and God bless you.
Giving God all that binds you is our relationship with God, and is prior to worship. It is prior to everything including prayer.
Giving God all that binds you is our relationship with God, and is prior to worship. It is prior to everything including prayer.