Communicating with God

How Should People Pray to the God of the Universe?

Oct 10, 2007 Brian Tubbs

If God is real, how can we communicate with Him? How can we have a meaningful, interactive relationship with the God of the Bible?

Communicating with God is among the strongest desires for people with faith - or a desire to have faith in God. How can people talk to God? How can people pray to God or have conversations with God? How should people listen to God?

The Christian Bible asserts that the universe was made by and is continually supervised by an all-powerful, all-knowing Supreme Being. And this God desires a deep, personal relationship with each and every individual human being - both now and in the afterlife.

These rather audacious assertions clash with the stresses, frustrations, and anxieties of everyday life in which people search for answers to life's problems and a relationship with the God who is supposed to be there watching over them.

Faith: The Fundamental Requirement for Successful Prayer

The book of Hebrews says that "without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV). In other words, you have to believe in God in order to pray to God and have Him answer.

For many people, this becomes a Catch-22. How can they believe in God if He doesn't reveal Himself to them? And, if they don't believe in God or if they are tormented by doubts, He apparently will not hear them or respond to them.

Anyone who finds himself or herself in this predicament should consider some basic evidences for the existence of God, which can bolster one's confidence in the Creator's existence.

God as the Divine Cause and Intelligent Designer

The universe is finite, and therefore it must have had an ultimate “first cause" or divine originator. Three basic arguments affirm this:

1. The universe is expanding, which indicates that it began at a fixed point in space and time.
2. The universe is running down -- i.e., it is literally running out of usable energy. This means that it can’t be eternal. Otherwise, it would have already run out of energy.
3. Based on insights from the fields of mathematics and philosophy, an eternal universe (and with it an eternal number of moments) is logically untenable. Says philosopher William Lane Craig: "An infinite can never be traversed - it has no end (or beginning). But since the moments before today have been traversed - that is, we have arrived at today - it follows that there must only have been an finite (limited) number of moments before today." In other words, time had a beginning!

Accordingly, the overwhelming view of modern science that the universe began to exist (most scientists estimating that origin to be roughly 14-15 billion years ago). Given the fact that the universe began to exist, it must have had a “cause” that originated it.

The cause of the universe would be its ultimate cause. Only an independent, infinite, uncaused, eternal, and omnipresent cause is sufficient to account for the universe. Therefore, such a being must exist. If it does not, then the universe doesn't exist. Since the universe does exist, it can therefore be safely concluded that an independent, infinite, uncaused, eternal, and omnipresent cause also exists.

Why can't we "see" and "feel" God?

According to the Bible, God is Spirit (John 4:24). Indeed, the Genesis account of Creation identifies the “Spirit of God” (Genesis 1:2) as the driving creative force for our universe. This makes sense, given the fact that only a spiritual or supernatural being is capable of serving as the ultimate, first cause of a universe characterized by time, space, matter and energy.

A human being interacts with the world through his or her main senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. God operates largely outside of those senses, making Him largely "invisible" and (to some) "unreachable." (The Bible does record rare instances in which God stepped into the natural, physical world to interact with humanity - such as the voice from Heaven at Jesus' baptism and, for that matter, the incarnation of Jesus himself).

So....how can someone bridge the gap between the natural and supernatural - and reach God in prayer? Future articles will explore that question in more depth. In the meantime, please consider the following books:

Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey (Zondervan, 2006)

Reaching for the Invisible God: What Can We Expect to Find? by Philip Yancey (Zondervan, 2000)

Cries of the Heart: Bringing God Near When He Feels so Far by Ravi Zacharias (Thomas Nelson, 2002)

How to Listen to God by Charles Stanley (Thomas Nelson, 2002)

And....of course...talk to your pastor. If you are not in a church, seek one out. They are there to help you.

**This article has been written from an evangelical Christian perspective. Disagreements, questions, concerns, etc. are welcome in the discussion forum.

The copyright of the article Communicating with God in Protestantism is owned by Brian Tubbs. Permission to republish Communicating with God in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The heavens declare His handiwork

28 Comments

Comments

Oct 9, 2007 8:36 AM

Pink :

.
Your articles rouse curiosity; but, discussion is not encouraged.
.
Too bad.
.
.

Oct 9, 2007 9:51 AM

Brian Tubbs :

I welcome discussion. It's just that, after a while, I feel some of the discussions here go round-and-round - and end up back where we started. Surely, you've sensed that as well. I don't think I'm expressing a frustration that's unique to me.

Oct 9, 2007 11:10 AM

Pink :

.
<i>I welcome discussion. It's just that, after a while, I feel some of the discussions here go round-and-round - and end up back where we started. Surely, you've sensed that as well. I don't think I'm expressing a frustration that's unique to me.</i>
.
Generally, discussion is discouraged when reasonable questions are ignored or just put off. Like yesterday's threads for example.
.

Oct 9, 2007 12:22 PM

Brother_Jones :

<i>I welcome discussion</i>


I agree with your article and I think some head knowledge about the hows and whys of Intelligent Design can go a long way to prevent atheism. Also, kids need to get outside and do some exploring of nature. Not everyone gets a chance to hunt or fish, but it seems like most every parent could take long walks in the park with their kids. The creation speaks of God and nature brings a person to grips with how large our God really is. We need to shut down the TV and computer for a night or two and spend time at the dinner table just talking and laughing. No wonder folks can't relate to prayer. If a child is struggling with whether his/her parents have any deep thoughts about eternity, they are apt to think that spirituality is some sort of a church game, instead of a way to reach out to God. In the old days, folks took turns reading to each other and telling stories. Now we just sit and watch football and wait for slick entertainment.
It is the role of a parent to guide a child into a deep relationship with God. But so many have punted the ball and given the church that responsibility. My advice at the next family time or reunion is to take a long walk and spend time talking about getting involved in helping someone in your family or town community. Then talking about God becomes second nature because there are so many problems in the community that need His help.


the oldtimer.

Oct 9, 2007 2:20 PM

Pink :

.
Good post.
.
You wrote, <i>Now we just sit and watch football and wait for slick entertainment.</i>
.
You forgot to mention that they're drinking beer while they sit there and wait--that's what it's all about for millions.
.

Oct 9, 2007 2:35 PM

Brian Tubbs :

Thanks, BrotherJones. Not that there's anything wrong with football, though.

Go Redskins! :)

Oct 9, 2007 4:16 PM

Migisi :

<i>Since the universe does exist, it can therefore be safely concluded that an independent, infinite, uncaused, eternal, and omnipresent cause also exists.</i>
.
Since, like the universe, everything has a cause - what/who caused the 'originator'? You attempt to use logic to make your point: <i>"Therefore, such a being must exist. If it does not, then the universe doesn't exist."</i> If everything has a cause and is finite, doesn't 'infinite, eternal, uncaused' violate that logic?

Oct 10, 2007 12:40 AM

redback :

I'm almost sure I've read these points before in earlier articles or in resultant discussions? The universe is expanding...into a pre-existing space??? The universe is simultaneously running out of energy...so maybe its <b>rate</b> of expansion is reducing and measurable? Our water is permanently drying up...or being 're-allocated' elsewhere in the universe?

I'm probably going to have to leave that to the experts.

There is an apparently related issue re prayer. I agree with Brian...God has to exist and one has to believe in God before any belief in prayer has any chance of being functional. Then whether an answered prayer is a deserved reward for that belief...or an 'evidence' that God changes his mind or actively intervenes in our lives...is of no great moment if in fact prayer IS answered. That turns to our relative understanding of what an answered prayer "looks like".

True story: A Muslim tells me today a PowerLotto win tonight means God has blessed him...and if he doesn't get the 30 million on offer, his $15 goes towards another's blessing.

There is some truth in Brian's caution about getting into palindromic discussion. For me, his article is worth the reminders there are dots to connect.

Oct 10, 2007 8:37 AM

Migisi :

.
<i>...reminders there are dots to connect.</i>
.
An ancient someone stared into the sky one night, and selected and connected certain twinkling dots to outline the form of his gods(desses) - the heavenly controllers of his life. When someone traces an astrological constellation in the night sky for me, I ask "Where? I don't see it." I guess I'm just not good at connecting celestial dots. Sigh.
.
The Big Dipper is not a dipper to everyone. In the UK, it's known as the Plough or Butcher's Cleaver; in Russia, it's called the Big Mother Bear (a bear?); in Germany, the Great Cart; in France, it's the Casserole (saucepan). What do Aussie's call it?

Oct 10, 2007 2:11 PM

Brian Tubbs :

Migisi, I am familiar with your objections to the argument of an uncaused cause to the universe. Redback is right in that this is another example of what I'm talking about. We've been round and round on this and other issues.

I respect your right to keep making your points. You need to understand, though, that I'm still going to make mine. You haven't persuaded me that this universe can just spring up uncaused - therefore, I'm going to continue hammering that point home in blogs and articles.

I understand that you are not convinced that a finite universe automatically translates to an infinite Creator-God. So be it. But there are others who read my articles. :)

However, for the sake of repeating earlier points....

God is a Spirit, and, as such, is exempt from the physical universe requirements of every effect needing a cause. God needs no physical or chemical or energetic cause, since He is outside of and superior to the space-time universe that we inhabit.

I realize that you and other skeptics will see this as a 'cop-out,' but it is the only plausible explanation. We pretty much know that physical, chemical, energy-related effects within our space-time universe require a cause. And an infinite regress of caused causes makes no logical sense. It doesn't solve the problem for you or anyone else.

The best solution is to believe that there is a cause which transcends the space-time universe within which we live.

I know this won't persuade you, but again, there are others who read these discussion, blogs, and articles. :)

Oct 10, 2007 3:03 PM

Pink :

.
Your "logic" seems based on a bias toward your idea of how things got started.
.
Our most diligent scientists don't seem to even come close to being sure about how "things" get started when it comes to matter. Is physical matter some sort of random energy that somehow coalesced so that a reaction took place that caused it to rearrange itself into what we call creation? It's almost a guessing game more than anything else when push comes to shove. We hear talk of dimensions--up to eleven of them--mostly unable to be sensed by our most advanced instruments.
.
We all have the same right you respect in Migisi, to keep making her points. And, you should keep trying to make yours.
.
Hopefully, science will continue its explorations into the unknown so that one of these days--sooner rather than later--we will be able to settle the questions about how the dimensions in which we exist were started.
.
For all we know, we're the figment of some fantastic computer's imagination.
.

Oct 10, 2007 7:41 PM

redback :

I don't confuse astrology with astronomy so have in mind different 'dots'. ABC :) What we all see in the sky depends on perspective and I thought the Southern Hemisphere gets a different view than what you guys on the wrong side of the world see. The 'Big Dipper' sorta sounds familiar but maybe we get an upside down view and those with amblyopia and no telescope, another??? :) And Plutonians, another.

Is there universal agreement on the definition of 'universe' and those that propose it is expanding, any agreement on what it is expanding <b>into?</b>

But whatever the answer, it still had to be forever OR start sometime and either option gives rise to immeasurable wonder, doesn't it? Tis better to wonder than write this off as another routine 'miracle'. There is no evidence to suggest any miracle is beyond the skill of God or is any harder than any other?

Oct 11, 2007 6:17 AM

Pink :

.
I don't think the Big Dipper is in the southern sky.
.
Nor is the Southern Cross in the northern sky.
.

Oct 11, 2007 6:40 AM

Migisi :

.
<i>I respect your right to keep making your points. </i>
.
Well, thank you for the respect, Bri. :) But I wasn't attempting to make 'points' in my post. I asked a question... "If everything has a cause and is finite, doesn't 'infinite, eternal, uncaused' violate that logic<b>?</b>"
.
<i>...but it is the only plausible explanation.</i>
.
We (people) can examine and speculate on the plethora of 'plausible' ~theories~, but nobody can ~~prove~~ any specific one is the 'only' explanation. Not yet. If ever. IMO, it's another one of those unknowables. I think "I don't know" is an honest answer to the question of how the universe came into being.

Oct 11, 2007 8:10 AM

Migisi :

.
<i>...Southern Hemisphere gets a different perspective and I thought the Southern Hemisphere gets a different view...</i>
.
Which made me wonder if the Southern Hemi had aurorae (like our Northern Lights - Aurora borealis), so I researched it. Sure nuf, you have Southern Lights (Aurora australis). I learn something every day. :)
.
<i>...view than what you guys on the wrong side of the world see.</i>
.
Heh heh. We're on the up side, you're on the down side.
.
<i>The 'Big Dipper' sorta sounds familiar but maybe we get an upside down view and those with amblyopia and no telescope, another???</i>
.
Here's a good diagram of your southern constellations (see 'Autumn Sky' page) http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/the_universe/Constellations/south_co nstellations.html
All the 'dots' are connected. The Big Dipper is found in Ursa Major. From the seasonal diagrams, it appears Ursa doesn't appear in the southern hemisphere until Autumn (now), and it might not be visible to you because you're way south of the equator.
.
<i>Is there universal agreement on the definition of 'universe' and those that propose it is expanding, any agreement on what it is expanding into?</i>
.
Yes, I wonder... is the universe contained in some kind of a flexible membrane? Like our skin expands when we put on fat? Or, like a helium balloon expands in a hot room? And what's on the other side of its container? Is it held within another universe, and that one in another, like Russian nesting dolls (matryoshka)?
.
<i>Tis better to wonder than write this off as another routine 'miracle'.</i>
.
Agree. And I do indeed wonder. IMO, there is ~nothing~ routine about the universe, miracle-created or not.

Oct 11, 2007 10:19 PM

redback :

Now, don't play dumb. You well know if you turn the map the <b>right</b> way up, you'll see OZ in its rightful place. :)

Thanx Pink & Migisi. This is all good stuff. Shakes my memory cells somewhat. Whenever I see stars, I usually don't try naming them. :)

This thing about the universe expanding is oft repeated and only tends to raise questions to me. I read instead the galaxies are moving further apart and our knowledge of the known universe is expanding...not quite the same thing as the universe expanding.

Try to visualise this universe. Consider Washington City. Some literalists may believe that is the universe. Nothing else exists beyond. The liberalists believe some things exist, but they're not really important. :) ABC If one went to its edge, what can be seen. No dead-end streets. Absolute nothing. No darkness, no space...but 'nothing' in its absoluteness. A nothing awaiting creation to fill a void that itself needs to to be created.

Then some say the universe is a philosophical concept.

Oct 12, 2007 7:32 AM

Migisi :

.
<i>You well know if you turn the map the right way up, you'll see OZ in its rightful place.</i>
.
Tee hee. We women know that ~men~ are map-challenged. They'll never pull over and ask 'which way... is right way up'? (wink)
.
According to some scientists, the earth's axis has changed from 23.5 degrees to 49.5 degrees ( http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=72198440159068&mkt=en-US&lang= en-US&w=2408a74e&FORM=CVRE7 ). Does the compass needle in OZ point due south? Is the North pole really north? South Pole really south, or is it southeast? Who decided where east ends and west begins on a sphere? If we turned the universe inside-out, we'd all be on the outside looking in. Perhaps we already are.
.
<i>... but 'nothing' in its absoluteness. </i>
.
Can we even fathom such a nothingness?
.
<i>A nothing awaiting creation to fill a void that itself needs to to be created.</i>
.
Well, maybe God shouldn't have taken that day off to rest, but should've finished what he started? Then again, maybe he did finish... by creating the nothing?

Oct 16, 2007 2:22 PM

Brian Tubbs :

<i>For all we know, we're the figment of some fantastic computer's imagination.</i>

<i>The Matrix</i> - cool movie!

Oct 16, 2007 2:24 PM

Brian Tubbs :

You're right, Migisi. I don't <b>know</b> - as in with absolute, 100% certainty - how the universe came into being. The only way, methinks, anyone can know anything with certainty is to directly observe it via their sensory capabilities. Since none of us was around 14-15 billion years ago (or 6-10,000 years ago - from a strict Genesis reading), then none of us knows. I agree with you - as far as the word "know" goes. :)

Oct 16, 2007 5:40 PM

Pink :

.
There is a hairline between science and faith in how and what people believe to be true.
.

Oct 17, 2007 8:13 PM

redback :

<i>"Can we even fathom such a nothingness?"</i>

That to me is arguably more amazing than trying to fathom a universe that can't fit into the biggest 'backyard'. :) And I imagine waking up after I'm dead to see what's happening without me. Same-o same-o...as life carries on despite me. In the same vein methinks as Brian's reference above to me being a (horrible) figment of your imagination. ABC I do know though, you do my imagination a power of good. :)

Oct 18, 2007 9:43 AM

Migisi :

.
<i>I do know though, you do my imagination a power of good. :)</i>
.
I hang out with little kids, Red. THEY possess all imaginative power. They ~are~ the universe - at least, they think so. When did you and I lose that idea?

Oct 29, 2007 6:52 AM

Pink :

.
If you have the time, here is a great program you can watch. I'm not exactly sure how you will feel it fits in with this thread; but, maybe it does.
.
Here is the site link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/
.
When you get there, click on Epigenetic Therapy. I believe you will be impressed.
.

Oct 29, 2007 7:51 AM

Migisi :

.
WOW!! FANTASTIC. The article was so easy to understand, too. If only my mom could've lived a few years longer - she may have benefited from this drug therapy. Thanks for posting this. Anti-inflammatories, ay? An aspirin a day keeps the cancer away.

Oct 29, 2007 12:18 PM

Pink :

.
These are SUCH fantastic presentations.
.
Everyone owes it to their self to check these programs out. They are--truly--fantastic.
.
And the videos are particularly engrossing.
.
I think I was born about 76 years too soon.
.
.

Oct 29, 2007 4:50 PM

Brother_Jones :

<i>And the videos are particularly engrossing.</i>

Do the videos have something to do with Spirituality or anything to with the thread here, 'Communicating with God?'

the oldtimer.

Oct 29, 2007 4:57 PM

Pink :

.
I think so.
.
But, it's pretty deep stuff; so, maybe it'll be over your head?
.
:)
.

Oct 30, 2007 5:13 AM

Pink :

.
My hope is that others here will take the time to watch the videos under <i><b>Epigenetic Therapy</i></b> at this site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/
.
That's my hope.
.
Brother Jones- raises an important question when he asks if any of the site's presentation have anything to do with communicating with God.
.
Yes, they do. But, you're going to have to get into the videos to have any understanding of my answer. This particular video is an in depth look--see at the goings on in the human Genome--deep into the building blocks of your being. In it, we are able to see how a miniscule error in the genetic code causes a person to to prone to diseases like cancer and diabetes as well as appearance characteristics like baldness or eye color. So, in a very real sense, we are able to see exactly how our creation as an individual being is affected by some characteristic of the way the genes are organized. And, it is interesting to know that the errors are passed on from generation to generation.
.
What is exciting is the fact that through the process of testing to learn if an individual carries such mistakes in their genetic make up, science will be focusing in on learning how to turn the mistaken messages off so that the person will not be threatened by cancer in the first place. That will, of course, require a great deal of science into the workings of stem cells, etc. Will science, under such conditions, be in some communication with God? That depends on whether or not a person thinks that God has any control over individuals as they develop in the womb, doesn't it?
.
I think the answer is, Yes, in response to Brother Jones' question.
.
:)

28 Comments