How Should We Approach God?

In college I got into the habit of casually praying while I was walking between classes or work. Just taking time to thank God for the day, for my friends, for the birds and trees and flowers. This was really the origin of my “hey God” prayers. It usually sounded like this: “Hey God, things seem to be going so well right now and I really want to thank you for that. Thanks for putting me on this beautiful campus, and for giving me such great friends. Please help me to ______. Thanks God, Amen.”

Scripturally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with prayers like this. It helps to focus your heart and mind, and casual prayers like this remind me that every good and perfect thing comes from God. It’s also nice to fill that idle headspace with some God time. Those minutes between classes or work when I could be worrying or thinking about anything, I instead choose to talk with the Father. I think that’s a sign of good spiritual health.

But here’s the thing – casual prayers shouldn’t make up your entire prayer life. That’s just not how relationships work.

Think about your best friend, and how often you talk. My best friend and I are texting almost every day, multiple times a day (don’t judge us, we are Millennials.) I love getting a text from her that’s a random joke or meme that she thought I’d like, or something funny that’s happened in her day, or even just a frustrated text when things aren’t going well. I like to think God feels the same way about our casual prayers. Like they are text messages to Him – just quick notes to let Him know we are thinking about Him and want to share this moment with Him.

But if my best friend and I only ever texted, our relationship would deteriorate. You just can’t grow into a deep, intimate relationship with someone if you only ever share quick messages and surface-level things. We need those weekend visits, those long walks and dinner dates.

You need to spend those long prayer times with God too. Take time to really sit and enjoy each other. And the same way we think about and approach dinner and dessert with a best friend, we can apply to long times of prayer with the Father.

Casual prayers are good and fine, but make time for those longer, intentional prayers as well. Take that time to enjoy Him and be open with Him. And don’t worry about what to say. Just open your heart and be honest.

There’s a lot of advice and workbooks out there to guide your prayer time. Some are good and biblical and helpful, but don’t be tempted to rely solely on these guidebooks. Don’t worry about doing it wrong or offending God. The only wrong way to pray is to do it disrespectfully. If you truly desire to talk with God, to have those conversations with Him, then just start talking. If you’re worried about doing it wrong, then chances are you won’t. Just pray.

You don’t have to be the most eloquent, or know all of the fancy, four-syllable theology words. You don’t have to have half the Bible memorized to recite back at God (though praying the scriptures is a great way to get started.) Just pray.

God loves the simple, heartfelt prayer of a child. He loves your simple, heartfelt prayers as well. So whether you approach God with a quick “hey God” to send Him a quick bit of praise, or if you settle into a favorite chair for a long coffee date with God – just pray.

More from this author
7 Morning Prayers to Help You Start the Day Strong
When Following God Is Hard, Persevere
What Is the Most Important Thing for Christians?

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang

Bethany Pyle is the editor for Bible Study Tools.com and the design editor for Crosscards.com. She has a background in journalism and a degree in English from Christopher Newport University. When not editing for Salem, she enjoys good fiction and better coffee.