Personal Insights Into a Conversation with God
This week I have been at Moody Founder’s Week in Chicago. I told my son Nate, who attends Moody, that this would be on my list of conferences while he is in school here. We had been previously, which is one of the reasons he chose the school. This is a true church conference. While it is not my typical conference, I have enjoyed hearing the challenging messages in a more traditional setting.
Getting out of town always provides me with time to develop new thoughts. Often I get into such a routine at home, that I don’t stop to just reflect, ponder, think and dream. I have to be alone, totally removed from my normal comfort zone it seems to really slow down enough to reflect. Yesterday, between sessions, I went for a long run along the Lake Shore Drive. (This is my favorite city in which to run. I posted about that once HERE.) About half way through the run, as I was talking to God, it seemed He impressed on my heart that there are new challenges He wants me to consider.
While I didn’t have a clue what this could mean at this point in our conversation, here is the prayer I prayed (as best as I can remember praying while running):
“God, I don’t want to possess a man-made vision…mine or anyone else’s. I don’t want a hand-me-down version of Your plan…I want to hear from You…I want Your vision…Your presence…Your glory. Protect my heart from wandering or being attracted to anything less than 100% of Your will… God, as You lead me, I will follow…”
It was a great heart check. The rest of the day I spent trying to unpack some of where I sense Him encouraging me to go and do. I don’t have all the answers, and from experience I may not for weeks, but I’m starting to understand some things. A couple thoughts relative to Grace Community Church I will actually share over the next couple days on this blog. More than anything, however, I am committed to following His heart. That’s always proven to be a good thing in my life!
How do you get your heart on track with God? Do you do it with people or away from people? Where do you go to do your best reflecting.
Please share your thoughts here for all readers to enjoy.
15 responses to "Personal Insights Into a Conversation with God"
My parents live 4 hours away and I have had some of my best worship experiences lately during that drive – singing, praying out loud (both in praise and in dispair) and worshipping God for His creation (parts of the drive take me through the lower Adirondacks and the Berkshires – so breathtaking sometimes). When I am alone in my car, I'm completely unihibited in my worship, unlike I tend to be when I'm with others, or even when I'm home alone. I think it's the mixture of complete anonymity to those around me and the great acoustics : )
I wonder if it has anything to do with personality. Would you consider yourself an Introvert? I am and wonder if that's why I worship better alone. I definitely love corporate worship and wouldn't want to miss it, but when it comes to in depth times of worship it's often on my own. Thanks for your comment.
Funny you should mention that : ) On the MBTI, I consistently score just shy of absolute on the Introvert side (INFP). I too absolutely love opportunites for corporate worship, but yes, it's when I'm alone that I find I'm best able to worship honestly and deeply.
Incidentally, I'm reading Philip Yancey's "Prayer", and he talks about a study that was done on prayer preferences and MBTI types (pg. 192).
I have started Yancey's book on prayer several times, only to give it away before I get far. Love his writing though and have heard great things about the book. I'll have to check it out and finish it! Thanks
After checking it out of the library twice, my parents mercifully gave it to me for Christmas. Now I can underline, and add notes, and just have a grand old time with it!
Can I ever relate with your prayer! Back in the mid-seventies, I asked God to help me understand the Bible–I didn't want someone else's understanding, but I wanted His understanding. I followed through with an insatiable hunger to study and pray and study and pray. Well, I have my understanding and I sure hope it's real. I hope Isaiah 25:6-8 and Revelation 21:4 quickly come to pass.
I wish more people would pray this prayer Patricia. I believe we'd have less conflict interpreting His Word. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing that personal glimpse. I don't run but I like to walk and find it a good time to pray. I tried listening to music but that drowns out all other sounds. I like to walk, listen to the sounds of nature and talk to God. And I too find it a time when God speaks to me. Prayer is amazing- what a great privilege to talk with God!
You're right…prayer is amazing…
It seems to happen when I am either on my bike, running, or swimming. If I am not pushing my self physically that day in my workout I often find myself getting into a rhythm with God that does not happen anywhere else. For me this is why I do not workout with music. Thanks for sharing today. I think I will slow down today in my run and try to find this rhythm it is much needed right now.
Lantz, thanks for your comment. You certainly impressed me with your athleticism! I agree, there must be something to the physical exertion that stirs the heart.
I think it's that the rhythm sort of lulls us into a meditative/contemplative state…it's almost hypnosis when you're in the rhythm…I love to chat with God when I ride. I seem to connect better when I'm on my own…but I'm learning there's an element of corporate worship that helps me develop community and unity
I like that thought. I wouldn't mind God putting me in a hypnotic state! Thanks for commenting
I'm usually alone when I have those moments. There isn't one "go to" kind of thing for me…I've had those moments while out walking, while driving or just sitting in my office. Of course, He can show up any time and that's fine with me!
You are right. God can speak anytime He chooses to! That means we have to be ready to listen.