Establishing A Moment With God in Your Daily Life

It is God's desire that we each have an intimate relationship with Him.  John 17:21  I know its amazing to think that God would want a relationship with you, but it is VERY true.

So the question is whether it is possible to have a real relationship with God?  By real relationship, I mean talking, sharing, communicating - the same things that make up a normal human to human relationship.  For a relationship to work there must be two-way communication, and time together.  I like to think that if God wants us to do something, He will provide the way.

History is full of people who talk about prayer time, prayer, quiet time, and their conversations with God. It is here that we find examples of how to have a relationship with God!  For all of these people, you will generally find four things in common:

1. They know how to quiet themselves
2. They talk to God in their own words
3. They read the Bible (God's written Word)
4. They know how to listen and discern God's voice speaking into their lives at that moment

 So how does one start all this?  Simply develop these same four things in your life.  Start simple, dedicate a little chunk of time and try these steps.  Establish a moment with God in your daily life.

1. Learn how to quiet yourself - turn off the TV, Computer, Cell-Phone, etc.  Try to stop the constant flow of thoughts for just a few moments.  It takes a little practice - but is worth it!
2. Some people feel awkward praying to God in their own words, having been taught to pray in church by reciting rote prayers.  Others feel weird talking to God at all.  I like to think the conversation internally - imaging the words I would say.  God can hear our thoughts, so that is just fine with Him.  Whatever you do, God is not worried about how you might sound, or the words you might say - He wants to know what is on your heart!
3. Start reading the Bible even a few minutes every day. When I started reading the Bible, I was in 9th grade and would read maybe a paragraph a night, right before going to bed.  I would recommend starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).  One other technique I use is to just open the Bible and start reading.  I am amazed at how often what I read is directly related to something I just prayed to God about! 
4. Finally, learning how to discern God's voice, as He is speaking to you, is probably the most difficult.  The good news is that God REALLY wants you to learn, and will help you.  When I first started, I found God's voice pretty easy to pick out - it was almost like He was shouting.  I would read from the Bible and a sentence would almost jump off the page, or I would silently pray something, and within a short period of time I would hear someone repeat my thoughts with an answer.  God is very capable of speaking, we just need to be aware that He is speaking.  The more we practice the better we get.  The Bible is full of God speaking to people, sometimes in dreams, sometimes visions, other times with an audible voice (I haven't had that experience yet), sometimes through other people, or through His written Word.  One thing that is very constant - God is always speaking!

A couple of encouragements:

• Start simple and easy - maybe 5 Minutes a day
• Don't give up, try to develop this into a habit
• Don't think it has to be all spiritual, candles lit, darkened room, etc.  I take my time with God in the morning, with a cup of coffee, sitting on the couch
• The more time you take, the more you will want to spend - a relationship with God is live changing and life giving!

God does want a real relationship with you!

Blessings!