Sitting at the Feet of God

Have you ever been hanging out with a loved one or visiting a friend, and suddenly, they're on their phones engrossed in whatever is on the screen? If it happened only occasionally, it might not be a big deal, but it probably gets aggravating if it happens often, almost as if they'd rather be somewhere else or with someone else. There's a disconnect despite the fact you're sitting in the same room.

Okay, here's another scenario. You show up with chicken fried rice for dinner, and your spouse gets upset because they'd rather have Lo Mein tonight. You'll probably end up saying that they could've told you earlier, right? You can't exactly read minds.

However, it brings up an important point about relationships: Communication is super important, and since we're made in God's image, you should know it's important to Him too. Although God can totally read your mind, He wants you to reach out to Him, to ask Him if you want or need something. It's not a guarantee you'll get it (God actually does know better than you about what you need), but it IS a guarantee you'll get closer to Him.

Everyone knows about prayer, but what is prayer exactly? Also, is whispering words to the heavens the only form of communication with God?

The best way to answer "God questions" is to look to the Bible; it is one of God's many ways of communicating with us. I've found many holy people in that book who've prayed; in fact, it seems to be the most favored way of speaking with God. They've joyfully shouted, sobbed, wailed, ranted in anger, whispered in fear, and questioned God's motives with great trepidation. One thing I've noticed is that they poured their hearts out to God, even if what was on their hearts was morally unstable. They communicated to God, and you know what? Without fail, God communicated right back: not necessarily right away.

What do you do if you have a problem in any relationship? You should be bringing it up with the other party, right? Same deal with God. Look no further than the book of Job or several instances when Moses spoke with God in the desert.

There are times when we don't know what to pray, but we still long to connect to God.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." Romans 8:26

Yes, prayer with words isn't the only way to speak with God.

"And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet." 2 Samuel 6:14-15

"Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, "Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea." Exodus 15:20-21

"And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and said to Moses, 'The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.'" Exodus 36:4-5

These are a few of the many examples of how people "spoke" with God. Dance, song (which oftentimes served as storytelling as well), using our skills to serve, or giving as much of ourselves and our resources as we can in order to praise our Creator. See, God doesn't always speak with us in words. He isn't limited in this way, and we must keep not only our ears but our eyes, minds, and hands open to "hear" Him because He is a multi-sensory experience. So are we.

Every time you meditate on His word, you are communicating with God. Every time you create something in order to praise Him, serve Him, or help others with your work, you are communicating with God. Every time you meet with His other followers to worship Him and help each other walk His path, you are communicating with God. Those moments when you're in the car singing a praise song, you are communicating with God. Even thoughtfully cleaning your house and cooking meals to serve your family, taking care of your children, and raising them in His ways are many other ways to "speak" with God.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When you mindfully do things which you know will please God, you are praying without words.

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7

You don't have to know all the right things to say. In fact, you don't have to "say" anything at all. Make sure you take the time to be truly alone with Him when you can.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6

The times when God have spoken with me are innumerable. He comes to me mostly in my quiet moments, not because He can't communicate in a crowd, but rather because I'm less likely pay attention when He does. His words may come in the form of music, a gentle breeze, a bird landing nearby, a commercial, a photo, a simple word whispered in my mind, etc.. He knows the right way to communicate with me so I will understand.

"‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’" Jeremiah 33:3

One of my favorite ways to pray is to just sit in silence and pay attention to the here and now. Sometimes, my mind feels like it's running constantly with too many thoughts scrambling around. I like to think I'm just hanging out with God in comfortable silence. Sometimes, I think of something to say to Him during our moment; sometimes, He speaks to me. Most of the time, it's just peaceful quality time with someone I love.

Bottom line is there's no excuse to not communicate and spend time with God. There's no wrong or right way to do it. He longs to hear from you even if it's just a reiteration of your day. Worship and prayer go hand-in-hand, and if you do everything with Him in mind, you are spending time with one another and communicating your love for Him. Believe me, if you pay attention, you'll see He's always communicating His love to you.