In light of February being heart month, I’d like to share this post once again. I’ve added some new insight since the last post. Enjoy!
Usually when someone says they want to have a heart-to-heart talk, it’s about serious business. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a heart-to-heart talk as, “a serious conversation between two people, usually close friends, in which they talk honestly about their feelings.” When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart talk with God; one where you talked with God about the good, the bad and the ugly? Have you ever had a heart-to-heart conversation with God?
Having a heart-to-heart talk with God is prayer. Prayer is a conversation with God. Growing up I was taught to read prayers someone else wrote. Some prayers were saying the same thing over and over again. After I gave my life to Christ I learned about prayers of the heart.
In Luke 11:2, Jesus tells his disciples when praying, “Say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Note that Jesus instructed his followers to speak, not think their prayers. I used to pray what I call head prayers. Head prayers involve thinking, not saying your prayers out loud. I engaged in a great deal of head talk when God longed for a heart-to-heart talk with me.
I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned about having a heart-to-heart talk with God.
- Heart prayers are verbal. You open your mouth and speak audibly instead of praying silently. You speak to God just as you would a person knowing that He’s listening to you. Nothing happens in the kingdom God until something is said.
- Heart prayer is not a monologue. It’s a two-way conversation in which you give God time to speak. You don’t do all of the talking. God longs to talk with you. He speaks to you in various ways. The primary way He speaks is through His Word. Do you incorporate Bible reading in your prayer time? It’s important to ask yourself if when it comes to reading the Bible do you read for information or relationship? Learn to read scripture as a personal conversation with God, not a fulfillment of a daily spiritual checklist. Develop a habit of reading your Bible out loud. Ask God to speak to you every time you open your Bible.
- Exodus 33:11 says. “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Have you ever talked with someone who hogged the conversation and never gave you an opportunity to speak? Remember how you felt? God feels the same way. Spend time in prayer waiting for God’s reply. You don’t want to come out of prayer too soon and miss your answer, direction, solution or idea.
- Heart prayers demand you remove your veil when praying. Moses only wore his veil while around the Israelites. He removed it in God’s presence (Exodus 34:34-35). You can’t enter God’s presence with the masks you present to other people. Prayer is the time to pour out your heart to Him. Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Share your desires, hopes, dreams and fears. Let God know how you really feel. You can share things with God others would never understand.
- Heart prayer means praying without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Praying without ceasing doesn’t mean you walk around praying all day. It’s similar to riding in a car with someone. You’re not constantly talking but you’re aware of the other person’s presence. You talk with them from time to time. Throughout the day acknowledge God’s presence by talking with Him as though He were present, because He is!
- Heart prayers include praise and worship. Worship is based on relationship with God. Praise is how you articulate that relationship. King David knew how to pray. His prayers weren’t just laments; they also included praise and worship because despite what he was experiencing, he knew His God would come to his rescue (Psalm 35:1, 28).
- Heart prayers are persistent, understanding that answers don’t always come immediately. They require faith for the prayer and the answer (Luke 18:1-8).
Heart talks cause God to move on your behalf. Now is a great time to have a heart talk with God! The Most High God is waiting to talk with you right now!
Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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