Simply Talking to God by Shalene

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

In my experience as a Christ follower, I have had to learn what it means to pray continuously. This seems like such an impossible feat, when you first contemplate the thought. I mean, how can you really pray continuously? Well, I've learned that praying continuously is exactly what it seems.

To pray continuously is to have an ongoing conversation with God. For me this ended up being a lot easier than I thought it would be. You see, I'm a talk to myself type of person. Only now, instead of talking to myself, I talk to God. When something is making me happy, I automatically thank God for it. When something is making me sad or upset, I tell God about it. I thank Him for everything, good or bad, because I know He has a divine plan for it all. I think of those around me that are unbelievers, and instead of day dreaming about what I could do to witness to them, I ask God to show me. When I see a homeless person, on the corner, I ask God for protection over them, and ask if there is some way that I can help.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV

I am not for one moment suggesting that I am perfect in my prayer life. But, I did want to share my methods for praying continuously. Perhaps you have a better way. There are also other ways to communicate with the Lord. I also like to memorize scripture that is particularly relevant to my life at the moment. (It's all relevant, all the time, but some Scripture speaks to me especially "loudly".) How do I do this? Well for me, I use the concordance in the back of my bible, find the scripture verses that correspond to that particular topic, and write in on my bathroom mirror in dry erase marker (it comes off much easier than lipstick or eyeliner, trust me, I've tried both.) In that way, I have to see it every time I'm in there. As an added benefit, so does everyone else that visits that room. Surprisingly enough, I've had the chance to witness to others because of the writings on my mirror. :) My husband and I also use this method to minister to our children on occasion. Speaking aloud scripture is a wonderful way to speak to God in prayer.

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life
Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

I am also a strong proponent of guarding your heart by what you see, watch, and listen to. Some would not agree with me, but I truly feel that watching or listening to things that are not of God is not "guarding your heart." That leads me to my next method for praying: I pray through the songs that I sing. This is also one way in which I worship Him. When I am singing a song, it's usually one that is stuck in my head, and I only listen to Christian music. Therefore, the only thing stuck in my head is words to my Lord. You may not like this method, or it may not work for you. Of course, you may find that none of these methods work for you and you must find your own. There is no wrong way to pray to the Lord, so long as your heart is earnest, and your prayers are too. I pray that these ideas will help you in your daily endeavors to pray continuously, and that your life will be blessed by this practice.

--Lord, today I thank you for the opportunity to share the ways that I talk to you. I thank You that You want to be in constant contact with me and with all of Your creation. I pray that I and the others that read these words will find joy in their daily communion with You. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.