Imagine having your best friend by your side every moment of the day. Someone to laugh with, cry with, or give a look to, and they know what you're thinking.
As Catholics, we've been taught that God is everywhere, so wouldn't that mean he is the friend always beside you? Many think of praying to God as a one-way form of communication.
"God, can you please help me? God, if you just give me this one thing, I promise I will do this in return." How would you feel if you were on the receiving end of always being asked favors and questions?
Friendship and communication work best when someone listens while the other speaks. How often do you listen to what God is saying instead of doing the talking?
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Be still. How many times in our day are we still in our minds so we can listen to God's voice? We must put in some work to hear what he is saying. Once we quiet our minds and start feeling peace or comfort, that is God gently putting his hand on your shoulder, whispering in your ear.
When you suddenly have an "ah ha" moment, that is God giving you clarity or understanding.
When you keep seeing a repeated message, a bumper sticker, or a song. That's a message to you from Him.
That strong feeling you get about something? Your intuition—that's God speaking directly to you.
With God's glory, many expect his voice to speak loudly with clasps of thunder or burning bushes. But in modern times and all the everyday noise, God's voice has been drowned out. Not just through noise pollution in our environment but noise in our own thoughts and minds. All of our negative talk and worry, self-doubt, anger, and fear drown out his voice.
Padre Pio tells us to "Pray hope and don't worry." It is that easy.
The next time you want to connect with God in prayer, give him some time to answer. Quiet your mind and listen. He's with you always.
Comments