Do you ever talk to God during an ordinary day?

The church has, in my opinion, made a big mistake when it comes to people talking to God. We emphasise the word and concept “prayer”.

Praying is done in private, in silence and even requires a certain position, kneeling, hands together and head bowed. That is the idea of prayer. Talking to God is much more than the idea of prayer. It can happen in a traffic jam, crowded office or in the heat of a domestic argument.

Talking to God can take place during a walk in the park, fishing or enjoying a ride on my Vespa. The church is a place of prayer, kneeling is a position of submission, closing your eyes is good for focus.

But speaking to God is much more than that. Many people who seldom go to church, wrestle with sin and guilt, speak to God every day. We ask questions, vent our emotions and voice our hearts. But the deepest conversation with God is often without words, just resting in his presence.

I have been told that even atheists and agnostics pray. They have been overheard saying, “Oh my God”. Remember that prayer is speaking to God, but speaking to God is more than prayer. Anywhere. Anytime. Anyone.