Have a Talk With God | Joyce Meyer

Summary

In this message, the speaker encourages an authentic, conversational relationship with God, urging believers to speak honestly and listen attentively. Rather than focusing on elaborate prayers, the speaker highlights the importance of simplicity, specificity, and ongoing communication with God. Drawing from scripture, the speaker emphasizes that God desires to speak to His people and that hearing from God is a natural part of the Christian walk. By cultivating expectancy and integrating prayer into daily life, believers can deepen their connection with God and experience His guidance in real, practical ways.

Takeaways

• 😀 Having a conversation with God is essential for a strong relationship with Him, and it involves both talking and listening.
• 😀 Prayer doesn't have to be overly spiritualized or complex. It's about being honest and real with God in everyday situations.
• 😀 Many people overlook that God still speaks to His people today, just as He did in the Bible with figures like Abraham, Moses, and Joseph.
• 😀 You don't need to hear voices or experience dramatic encounters to hear from God. The key is recognizing His voice in everyday life.
• 😀 Prayer should be intentional and purposeful, not just a routine or effort to impress God with eloquent words.
• 😀 A short, sincere prayer is often more effective than long-winded prayers meant to fill time or sound spiritual.
• 😀 It's important to maintain an ongoing relationship with God throughout the day, not just during set prayer times or religious activities.
• 😀 A disciplined time with God, such as journaling, reading, and meditating on scripture, can help cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
• 😀 Martin Luther's quote, 'To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing,' emphasizes the vital role of prayer in a Christian's life.
• 😀 Building a strong life foundation requires maintaining an active relationship with God, as prayer and conversation with Him form the core of spiritual growth.
• 😀 Familiarity can lead to complacency. It's important to continually marvel at God's work in your life, not take it for granted.

Q & A

What does Joyce Meyer mean by 'having a conversation with God'?

Joyce Meyer encourages us to engage in a genuine two-way dialogue with God, where we both speak and listen. Rather than just praying with formal words or rituals, she suggests sharing our feelings and thoughts honestly, like we would in a conversation with a friend or loved one.

Why does Joyce Meyer avoid using the word 'prayer' when discussing talking to God?

Meyer believes that the word 'prayer' has been overly spiritualized, which can make it feel distant or formal. By using 'conversation,' she wants to make the process of communicating with God feel more accessible and less ritualistic.

How does Joyce Meyer describe the role of conversation with God in personal well-being?

She explains that having a conversation with God helps to process emotions, such as hurt feelings, and ensures that we don't let negative experiences control our mood. By turning things over to God through conversation, we receive His comfort and guidance.

What are the key aspects of listening to God, according to Joyce Meyer?

Meyer emphasizes that listening to God requires an open heart and expectancy. God speaks to His people in various ways, including through Scripture, personal reflections, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit.

How does Joyce Meyer approach prayer differently than many others?

Meyer advocates for a more spontaneous and natural approach to prayer, where communication with God happens throughout the day. Instead of setting aside fixed hours for prayer, she suggests engaging with God in the moment, especially when faced with challenges.

Why does Joyce Meyer emphasize the importance of preparing prayers?

Meyer highlights that preparation helps ensure our prayers are meaningful and focused. Instead of speaking aimlessly, she encourages us to know what we want to ask God for, keeping our requests clear and simple.

What does Joyce Meyer mean when she says 'familiarity is a bad thing'?

Meyer is cautioning against becoming too accustomed to God's presence and blessings. She believes that familiarity can breed complacency, leading us to take God’s actions in our lives for granted. We should remain in awe of His work, always amazed by His presence.

What does Psalm 85:8 suggest about how we should listen for God's voice?

Psalm 85:8 encourages us to listen with expectancy, indicating that God is always speaking to His people. It emphasizes that we must be attentive and open, anticipating God’s communication with us, rather than doubting or ignoring it.

How does Joyce Meyer relate the concept of a 'solid foundation' to our relationship with God?

Meyer compares the relationship with God to building a house on a solid foundation. She argues that to have a strong and lasting life, it must be built on a consistent relationship with God, with regular communication through conversation and prayer.

What is Joyce Meyer’s advice on how to make time for God throughout the day?

Meyer suggests integrating conversations with God into the natural rhythms of the day. This could be during a morning walk, while journaling, or simply taking moments to reflect. It’s not about rigidly setting time aside but about maintaining an ongoing relationship with God throughout life.