DO SOME CHRISTIANS TALK TOO MUCH? One of the most important things a believer can do is talk to God on a regular basis. This practice, known as prayer, is essential in aiding a believer in dealing with everyday life. Prayer helps keep a close relationship with God. Lack of regular communication with the Lord leads to spiritual coldness and allows certain difficulties to come into a person’s life that wouldn’t have happened if they had kept praying. So, the Bible is clear that believers need to pray. Talking to God is a very good thing. But, the Lord also wants us to listen from time-to-time. Many “prayer meetings” feature at least one or two participants who spend a lot of time talking to God about their problems. They will go on for a long time, as if in a spiritual spotlight, and don’t seem to be aware that the other participants don’t need to know every single detail of their trials. This doesn’t mean that the other participants don’t care. The vast majority of Christians will listen patiently but will quietly wonder when the self-centered one will wrap it up. God doesn’t need to hear all the details, either. Being omniscient (knowing everything-past, present and future) He already knows the circumstances. The “Kissing Cousin” of the self-centered prayer is the “sermon” prayer. Some folks believe they need to cover several biblical truths, complete with scripture verses and brief commentary, whenever they pray. Claiming God’s promises in the Bible is a good thing when praying but the Lord already understands His word and doesn’t need a refresher. Others in the group may not possess all the scriptural wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years but a prayer gathering is supposed to be focused on the Lord. Leave the teaching to Sunday School, group Bible study or devotions at home. Combine the self-centered and sermon prayers and you have an instant remedy for insomnia! The Lord also commands believers to engage in regular periods of silence in order listen to Him. It’s during these quiet times that God often makes scripture “come to life” in a way that helps Christians in their everyday life. Silence before God also allows time of sweet and peaceful fellowship between the believer’s spirit and His. If you’re a person who prides his or herself on the fact that “you’re always talking to God” consider listening to Him every now and then. Every believer should get in the habit of listening to other people and focus more energy on encouraging them in their troubles. Those that do usually end-up feeling better and God will be pleased. BIBLE SEEDS: I KINGS 9:11-13; PSALM 46:10; JOB 21:21-23; ISAIAH 30:15; MATTHEW 6:6-8; I THESSALONIANS 5:17*; JAMES 5:15-17; REVELATION 8:1 *When scripture says "pray without ceasing," it doesn't mean God wants us to be literally talking to Him all the time. Along with verbal communication, prayer is a heart/mindset focused on God. Our reverent thoughts should drift to Him often. And "listening" to the Lord is a vital part of prayer communication.