Christian Living

God's Open Door Policy to Prayer

by Theresa Vogel Millward
07/26/17
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Communicating with God is not an one-way conversation. We may have lots to say in our prayers to God, but what does he want to say to us. The wonderful thing about prayer is that we don’t need an appointment to talk with him, nor he with us. God is available 24/7.

There are several ways God speaks to us. One way is to hear his voice through his word, the Bible. As we read and focus on its truth, God helps us to understand what we’re reading and how we can apply it to everyday life.

A second way God speaks to us is through other people. God may put a person(s) in your life when you need someone the most. Maybe you had a need of some sort and the right person was there for you at the right time.

A third way God speaks to us is through direction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit instructs and guides us by nudging us in the right direction or even whispers comfort just at the right time.

God spoke throughout the centuries to faith-filled believers and he speaks to us even now. We serve a supernatural God and we can build a relationship with him by quieting our life, and being open to the two-way communication.  

How, you may ask, do I sit still long enough to hear the Holy Spirit? It takes practice, practice, practice. Self-discipline in stillness takes determination.

Pastor Bill Hybels says, “God’s power is available to us when we come to him in solitude, when we learn how to focus and center our hearts and be quiet before him.”

And if, in your stillness before God, there is occasional silence, that’s okay. God speaks to us when he has something to say. I like when Pastor Hybels writes, “People who make opportunities for the Holy Spirit to speak to them know that the Christian life is a continual adventure.”

Learning to be still before the Lord takes time and a willingness to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction or instruction. Over the last several years, I believe my relationship with the Lord has become stronger. I’m more dependent on him for guidance in my everyday life decisions.  Since widowhood, I look to God more now for his protection, direction, and provision.