Talking Out Loud to God
BIBLICAL POINTS OF REFERENCE:
"Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you great things beyond the reach of your knowledge."
~Jeremiah 33:3
"For God does speak, once, even twice, though you do not see it."
~Job 33:14
A couple years ago I first published SheCanLaugh, and with it a statement about how to change the world for God. It's actually still on the website, so feel free to read it here if you would like. There is one particular part of this statement that I want to draw attention to: "Regard God as your friend and protector."
When I wrote this, my goal was to let readers know that God can viewed as a Father to us, but that he can also be viewed as a friend that we can go to for advice, comfort, guidance, and love. That's who he is, but rarely do we ever speak to him or go to him as such.
So here's a question for you all: Have you ever actually and physically talked to God? Instead of saying your prayers in your head, have you ever said them out loud as though God were visibly standing in front of you?
I bet I can guess what you're thinking: I'll look silly if I do that! That thought is what was going through my mind when I started saying prayers out loud to God. I was also super worried and paranoid about what people would think or say if they caught me talking to God out loud. But something I've noticed is that saying them aloud brings a more permanent meaning to your prayers: You've said them out loud for someone to hear, and you can't take them back.
Now, God knows our thoughts and feelings whether we've said them out loud or not, but communicating to Him using the gift of our voices brings something special to the table. It tells him that we are willing to step out of our comfort zone and take our prayers seriously. You may not notice it on a day-to-day basis, but the way you communicate with Him matters.
This is going to be a challenge for any person. I'm an extravert, and I still struggle with standing up and talking to God. Bottom line, speaking openly and out loud to God is intimidating, but I think you'll find it's worth it.
Your Laughing Sister,
Callahan
