An Open-Ended Conversation with God

June 29, 2023

If you want a close relationship with God, it can’t be done by just

attending church once a week. It also can’t be done solely with daily

Bible reading or what we call a daily “quiet time.”

Of course, both of these habits are beneficial to your relationship

with God. But, He wants more than an appointment in your schedule. He

wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

Sounds like a lot, right? It’s actually not overly complicated or

even time consuming.  It’s simply integrating God into all the slices of

your life, rather than just having a “quiet time” slice. Your time with

God and your conversations with God carry over into all the slices of

your life, not just the 15 minutes you read the Bible.

A common misconception is that “spending time with God” means being alone with him. Of course, as Jesus modeled, you need time alone with God, but that is only a fraction of your waking hours. Everything you do can be “spending time with God” if he is invited to be a part of it and you stay aware of his presence.

Scripture instructs us to, “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT). 

You can carry on a continuous, open-ended conversation with God

throughout your day, talking with him about whatever you are doing or

thinking at that moment. The habit of “praying without ceasing” from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 means conversing with God while shopping, driving, working, or performing any other everyday task.

It’s being aware of God in every area, not just your “quiet time” area.

Time with God isn't limited to reading your Bible or a corporate worship service. 

You can talk to God and thank God in the car.

You can consult God over a business decision.

You can worship him while you do daily tasks.

You can marvel at his creation when you notice a sunset.

You can check in with him at any time during the day.

You can ask him to reveal his heart toward an issue you face. 

You can share with him your emotions and frustrations. 

You can unload your worries onto him the moment they pop into your head.

You can ask him for help at any hour. 

There’s countless ways to be aware of God and include him in your everyday life.

And, he wants you to connect with him throughout the day.