Constant Dialogue

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17(KJV)

Dialogue is a vital part of novels. Writers can certainly add depth to characters through their actions, but the heart of the character is revealed through the words he or she speaks.

At the same time, a novel with only dialogue would be exhausting. The silence within scenes, when placed correctly, adds layers in which words cannot speak. The simple act of lovers gazing into each other’s eyes replaces a stream of words telling about how much they adore each other. Are they still connecting? Yes. It becomes a dialogue between their hearts.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 can be daunting for many, especially if we envision a deluge of words that must be continuously muttered in order to stay in communion with God. With that mindset, it becomes a tiring duty that eventually falls to the wayside because it is too difficult to maintain. The complaint often becomes, I don’t know how to pray because I just don’t know what to say.

This being the case, what does constant dialogue with God look like?

It is the state of being aware of God in everything we do. We must move prayer from just being a barrage of words spoken during a designated time to viewing God as our Lover. If God is our lover, there will be times of intimate speaking with words and times of silence in which God fills our hearts, just as the unspoken words of two lovers communicate love to one another. Mundane tasks as simple as going to the grocery store or sitting in frustrating traffic are opportunities to invite God into our lives and to communicate with Him.

Prayer doesn’t have to be a formula. If you read a book that has formulated, predictable dialogue, the story grows stale. Be free. Giving praise to God the moment you see the moon in all its fullness shining over the mountains is prayer that draws us closer to our Creator. Interceding on behalf of friends when they come to mind brings us into the presence of our Provider and Healer.

It is definitely good to pray during your quiet times, but that isn’t the only place to talk to God. Look for other opportunities to be drawn into His presence. You won’t stutter or not know what to say when you speak openly to your Lover. There’s no wrong answer. He’s listening.

Dear God, Thank you for being my Lover. Quiet my heart so that I can recognize You in everything I do. May I continue this prayer throughout the day so I can encounter You more fully and experience your love more deeply. Amen