A priest once asked me, "Currie, do you have a personal relationship with our Lord?" Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes." His next words, however, changed the way I viewed my spiritual life forever. "Then I recommend you just don't pray to God but have a discussion with Him." That single thought reshaped my understanding of what it means to be in communion with God. I needed to talk to my Heavenly Father the same way I would talk to my earthly father—openly, honestly, and frequently. Not just asking for things or seeking forgiveness but engaging in a heartfelt conversation. This shift in perspective deepened my faith and drew me into a closer, more intimate relationship with God.
The Necessity of Personal Communication with God
Many people view prayer as a transactional act—asking God for blessings, guidance, or forgiveness. While supplication is certainly an essential aspect of prayer, it is not the fullness of communication with God. A real relationship requires dialogue, not just requests. This is the kind of communication Jesus modeled for us. In the Gospels, He does not merely pray to His Father; He converses with Him.
Consider Jesus’ words in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” If we are to follow Christ, we must learn to hear His voice, which means engaging in a two-way conversation. Talking to God in an intimate and personal way strengthens our faith and allows us to truly recognize His voice in our daily lives.
Scriptural Foundations for Talking to God
The Bible is filled with examples of people not only praying but having real conversations with God. Moses spoke to God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). David poured out his heart to God in the Psalms, often going beyond mere prayer into deeply personal dialogue: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:1-2).
Jesus Himself engaged in intimate conversations with His Father, not just during moments of trial but throughout His ministry. In John 17, His High Priestly Prayer demonstrates a deep, relational dialogue: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24). Jesus’ example teaches us that our communication with God should not be limited to moments of need but should encompass our desires, concerns, joys, and sorrows.
The Teachings of the Early Church Fathers
The early Church Fathers emphasized the necessity of developing a personal relationship with God through conversation, not just structured prayer. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, models this beautifully. His work is essentially a direct conversation with God, filled with praise, lament, and gratitude. He writes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This restlessness is only calmed when we cultivate a continuous and intimate dialogue with God.
St. John Chrysostom, another early Church Father, stressed that prayer is not merely about requests but about forming a connection with God. He stated, “Prayer should be constant and full of thanksgiving, as if speaking with a beloved friend.” His words remind us that God desires a relationship, not just a ritual.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Prayer as Dialogue
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reinforces this need for deeper communion with God. In paragraph 2558, it states: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Notice that raising one's heart to God comes first, before making requests. This implies an openness to listen and converse rather than merely petitioning.
Furthermore, paragraph 2564 teaches that “Christian prayer is a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ.” A covenant relationship is personal, intimate, and ongoing—it requires more than recited words. True prayer fosters an ongoing dialogue where we speak to God as our loving Father and listen for His guidance.
Practical Ways to Have a Conversation with God
If you find yourself stuck in a pattern of only praying to God rather than talking with Him, here are some practical ways to shift into a more conversational relationship:
Speak to God Throughout the Day – Just as you would check in with a close friend, develop a habit of speaking to God in ordinary moments—whether driving, working, or walking. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) means cultivating a constant dialogue.
Listen in Silence – Conversations require listening. Spend time in silence after prayer, allowing God’s voice to penetrate your heart. Elijah encountered God not in the earthquake or fire but in a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).
Journal Your Conversations – Writing down your thoughts to God and allowing space for Him to “speak” back through reflections or Scripture can deepen your understanding of His presence.
Use Scripture as a Springboard – Read a passage and respond to it conversationally. Ask God questions about His word and listen for His guidance.
Practice Gratitude and Reflection – Start and end your day by recounting your blessings and asking God for wisdom about your experiences.
The Transformative Power of Conversing with God
When we move beyond structured prayers and into personal conversation, our relationship with God transforms. We no longer see Him as a distant deity but as a loving Father who desires our companionship. This shift brings peace, clarity, and a deep sense of belonging.
I have found that speaking to God as I would my earthly father changes everything. My prayers are no longer mechanical; they are filled with genuine emotion, gratitude, and even humor at times. God desires this level of intimacy with each of us. He wants to be our Father, our Confidant, and our Guide.
Are You Talking to God or Just Praying to Him?
The question that changed my perspective was simple: "Are you talking to God or just praying to Him?" If you find that your prayers are mostly petitions and formal requests, try shifting into a true conversation. Speak to Him as a Father, share your thoughts, your fears, your joys, and then take the time to listen.
This will change your life. It certainly changed mine.
Welcome to the St Michael’s Group! In a world facing a decline in religious belief and an increase in moral confusion, the need to reignite our faith has never been more critical. Religion’s capacity to offer meaning, foster ethical behavior, and build cohesive communities is vital for countering the spread of spiritual apathy and the influence of evil. By renewing our commitment to faith, we can combat the forces that seek to divide and weaken us. Reigniting our faith lives, therefore, is not just a personal endeavor but a collective responsibility. It is essential for preserving the moral and spiritual fabric of our society, ensuring that love, compassion, and justice continue to be the guiding principles of human existence.
This is why I started the St. Michael’s Group Substack and Podcast. Join us today stmichaelsgroup.substack.com and let’s start a movement of reigniting faith, family, and formation back into our lives.
This is Dr. Currie Myers. I am an applied criminologist and criminal justice ethicist. I have been on faculty in the criminology department at Benedictine College for over 13 years and was a career law enforcement officer for 24 years. Most importantly I have a beautiful family. My wife and I have been married for 37 years, and we have five children and 10 grandchildren. You can view my work on applied criminology at drcurriemyers.substack.com. Have a great and blessed week and please subscribe and share this podcast with others. And more importantly, if you are struggling in life and need someone to talk to, we have a chat function that you can contact me directly. And if you wish for me to speak at one of your events, please contact (catholicspeakers.com) to schedule.
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