I’m not talking to you!Ever been given the silent treatment? It usually comes from hurt or offense—someone cuts you off, refuses to communicate, and pretends you don’t exist. This behavior signals emotional immaturity and relational dysfunction. Healthy relationships are marked by good communication; poor ones by negative patterns or avoidance.
This applies not only to human relationships, but especially to the most important one: our relationship with God. We were created for connection with Him. When that relationship is strong, it positively affects every other area of life.
God wants to hear from you.
Prayer is simply talking with and listening to God. Proverbs 15:8 says our prayers delight Him. James 4:8 promises that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
Here are seven ways to communicate with God and deepen your relationship:
1. Gratefully
Start and end your day thanking God. Gratitude shifts your perspective and boosts joy. If this isn’t a habit yet, here are some resources I put together to help you build your thankfulness muscle.
2. Honestly
God invites us to be real with Him. He can handle all your emotions—frustration, sorrow, fear, doubt. “Pour out your heart before Him” (Psalm 62:8). Prayer isn’t about pretense; it’s about authenticity.
3. Boldly
You’re never a bother to God. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help. Matthew 7:7-8 reminds us to ask, seek, and knock, trusting God will respond.
4. Appropriately
Our requests of God should be appropriate. For example, God will not answer petitions that violate His Word or His nature. He also doesn’t override people’s free will. James 4:2b-3 warns against asking with wrong motives. Ephesians 5:17 urges us to understand His will.
5. Attentively
Prayer isn’t a monologue. Many of us talk at God, then disconnect. But communication with God includes listening. Psalm 139:2 says He knows our thoughts, but do we know His? John 10:27 affirms that His sheep hear His voice. Take time to be still and listen.
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).
6. Expectantly
God is good and generous. Matthew 7:11 says if human parents know how to give good gifts, how much more will God? Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that He rewards those who seek Him. 1 John 5:14-15 assures us He hears and answers prayers aligned with His will.
7. Often
Pray persistently. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Acknowledging God in all our ways (Proverbs 3:5-6) really means bringing God into everything, even involving Him in your thinking. Develop the habit of bringing all your thoughts to God and asking what He thinks!
Conclusion
God is not giving you the silent treatment—He’s inviting you into daily, vibrant, two-way communication. Approach Him with thankfulness, honesty, boldness, and faith. Listen for His voice. Expect good outcomes. Stay connected. That’s how relationships grow. And this relationship changes everything.
