Conversations with God

 

“Who are you looking at? Are you looking at me? I’m the only one here so you must be looking at me.” Or so went my imaginary conversation with this squirrel with the Robert De Niro stare. What a pleasant surprise to look out the window just as she was looking in. It was a toss up as to who was more surprised. I can’t help but wonder what imaginary conversation they had with me, huge human creature that I am.

Occasionally, we all spend time in imaginary conversations. We recite what we wished we had said in some past circumstance when we felt attacked or insulted, putting another in their place. We rehearse what we wish we would have said to those we have loved and see no more. Sometimes we imagine talking to our younger selves as if we could spare ourselves some sorrow. I often hear people speak of the conversation they are planning to have when they meet God one day, their list of questions prepared and their arguments at the ready.

Prayer is a conversation with God, but it isn’t imaginary. We can talk about our lives, our hopes, our fears and our dreams. We can raise questions and express our deepest emotions. We can put into words our deepest thoughts, or offer those thoughts that are beyond words. And we can listen. We can listen to ourselves. We can listen for a sense of God’s response.

The Psalmist writes, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” During this season of Lent, we would do well to spend time in conversation with God, not only talking, but listening as well.

Peace.