Growing Closer to God Through Prayer

When we want to connect with someone special in our lives, we find different ways to communicate, whether it’s to share a message or simply say, "I love you." How do we reach out to them? Maybe we pick up the phone to call, send a text message, or reach out through a direct message on social media. Some prefer to email their friends, family, or loved ones. And then there’s the classic approach—writing a letter. When was the last time you wrote someone a heartfelt letter? Today, I want to talk about how we can grow closer to God through daily communication with Him.

We’ve all used various methods to communicate with friends or loved ones, but how reliable are they? Take a telephone, for example—it’s one of the fastest ways to connect, but it’s useless if the person doesn’t have a landline. Cell phones allow for quick communication through calls or texts, but if the person doesn’t have a phone or isn’t nearby, this method falls short. Direct messaging on social media is another option, but it only works if the person has an active profile. Then there’s writing a letter—a thoughtful but slower method that requires patience, as it can take time to get a response. As we reflect on these different ways of communicating, we should also consider how we connect with the Lord and how we must persevere in our communication with Him through prayer.

In Luke 11:1, we see that Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In response, Jesus gave them a model prayer, recorded in verses 2–4: "When you pray, say: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” This prayer emphasizes the importance of communication with God, which is central to our walk with Christ. Jesus teaches us to approach God as our loving Father, honor His holiness, and pray according to His will. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s purposes, seek His provision, and trust Him for guidance and protection. Prayer is not just a ritual, but a vital connection to our Creator.

In Luke 11:5-8, Jesus shares a parable to illustrate persistence in prayer. He describes a man who goes to his friend’s house at midnight to borrow three loaves of bread because an unexpected guest has arrived from a long journey, and he has nothing to offer him. At first, the friend refuses, saying, “Don’t bother me! I’m already in bed, and my children are sleeping.” However, because of the man’s persistence, the friend eventually gets up and gives him what he needs.

This story reminds us of the importance of persistence in our relationship with God. Just as the neighbor eventually responded to his friend’s repeated knocking, God hears and answers the prayers of those who faithfully seek Him. It also reminds us to be thankful for the friends in our lives who are there for us, no matter the time or need. Such friends reflect God’s faithfulness and serve as a reminder of His constant presence and care.

Prayer is personal, and there’s no single right way to do it. Here are some ways to connect with God:

• Spoken Prayer: Talk out loud as if God is sitting right next to you.

• Written Prayer: Journal your thoughts and feelings to God. Writing can help you focus and reflect more deeply.

• Silent Prayer: Sit in stillness, allowing your heart to speak without words.

• Scriptural Prayer: Use Bible verses to guide your prayers. The Psalms, for example, are full of heartfelt expressions to God.

Building a friendship with God through daily prayer is a life-changing journey. As you make prayer a regular part of your day, you’ll experience His presence in deeper and more personal ways. You’ll find comfort in His faithfulness, joy in His love, and strength in His guidance.

So, begin today—take a quiet moment, open your heart, and simply say, "Hi, God." He’s always listening, ready to walk beside you as your closest and most faithful friend.