Why is it so hard for us to “have a little talk with Jesus”? Why can’t we find the words to say? No mouthful here.
For some of us, it can be downright awkward. Where do we begin? How do we address God? What do we say to the God who knows our thoughts before we are even introduced to them (Psalm 139:2)?
Maybe this is why we ask others to pray for us. Perhaps, this is the reason why our pastor’s prayer list is so long. “You can talk to God for me, pastor.” “Tell God that I said….” “Tell God that I need….”
But, there should be no middle person, no third wheel. This is why Jesus came. The Word made flesh, he is the Conversation-starter. We can pray in Jesus’ name.
Jesus comes to earth, demonstrating that there is still more to be said, that our relationship with God is not over. From heaven to earth, God is willing to go the distance and the extra mile. Jesus walks with the disciples, sits and sups with them face-to-face, so that nothing is lost in translation.
No wings, no bright lights, Christ is one of us. The neighborhood God, Jesus Christ is not out of touch or out of reach. Coming as the Infant God should lower our defenses. Vulnerable and dependent, God has not come to yell but to coo.
But, we know his story and, like the disciples, we have asked Jesus to teach us to pray. We have received a certificate and the continuing education credit. Yet, while we can text without ceasing, being in constant communion with God seems impossible.
So, let’s just say more.
Say, “Hello, God.” Greet God in the morning. Acknowledging the presence of God in your life at the start of your day affirms your relationship with God and is an opportunity to invite God to provide direction for your day. Not as a personal assistant but as your guide, Jesus is not running behind you, but we are called to follow in his footsteps.
Say, “Thank you, God.” Expressing gratitude for people we take for granted and for things that we enjoy acknowledges that God is the giver of all that is good (James 1:17). When we give thanks, we give the credit to God and become a thanksgiving people.
Say, “Good night, God.” It might seem trivial, but this simple greeting admits that God is still with us. It reminds us that God is faithful to us, that God is with us in all spaces and at all times. Tucking ourselves in with God, we can rest assured that we are saying more than we know.
Saying more to God is not a word count but the content of our confessions. Say more meaningful words. Say more private thoughts. Say more to God and you will see more of God.
Reverend Starlette Thomas* is an associate pastor at Village Baptist Church in Bowie, Maryland and the Minister to Empower Congregations at the D.C. Baptist Convention. She writes on the social construct of race and the practice of faith at www.racelessgospel.com. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and Starbucks.
