I am currently reading the novel “Seeing Jesus” by Jeffrey McClain Jones which tells the story of a guy that starts seeing Jesus. No one else can see him. This experience creates some interesting scenarios as you can imagine.
Although I don’t physically see Jesus like the character in the book does, I have learned to relate to Jesus as if I’m talking to you. Yes, sometimes I don’t realize I’m talking to him out loud so I’m sure others think I am talking to myself. That’s fine since most people have phones or buds in their ears talking to others not seen. (Maybe I should get some ear buds too.)
I grew up in a church which made praying to God some supernatural experience as well as very loud. I have known people who would yell and scream to God in their prayers. Some would speak in tongues as if this was some sort of magical communication with God. You don't need those methods to communicate with Him. God can hear a thought or a tear. My own personal experience changed after a visit to a monastery several years ago, my relationship has evolved into a more personalized interaction. That experience totally changed me.
So, yes, I talk to Jesus and I also try to listen to Him which is very difficult to do. The listening part is difficult because there is a challenge to separate Gods voice with your own. It’s like tuning in the right frequency on the radio. There is a lot of noise and interference around us so that takes constant practice. Honestly I don’t always hear correctly but I’m trying.
Many days if I’m walking down the street to run errands I will talk to Jesus about the needs of friends and family members. If I know your need, I am talking to Him about it. That’s how my relationship is with Him these days.
Whether or not you believe it doesn't change anything for me. I know He is with me. Do I think I’m something special? No and I still get it wrong.
Am I crazy to believe I can talk to God? You may thing so but you aren’t me and you haven’t lived my life. Make whatever assumptions you want to make but Psalm 16:8 says: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
It is absolutely okay to talk to God as you would a friend. This kind of interaction fosters a sense of closeness and intimacy with the divine. It's about approaching God with honesty and vulnerability, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns just as you would with a close friend.
Prayer doesn't have to be some mystic or weird practice. You don't have to be in a church to do it or label yourself as any specific denomination. You and God. That's it. You don't need all of the other stuff or books that give you 10 ways to talk to God. You just do it. It isn't complicated but it does take practice.
